Clyde community launches pay-it-forward program to provide food for those in need

Mariah Williams
·2 min read

CLYDE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)— A chain of good deeds has started in Clyde, using a new pay-it-forward program to ensure food for those who cannot afford it.

The Care to Share Outreach program started last week at Jolly Scoops in Clyde. In a matter of days, the message quickly spread to other locally owned businesses, with six organizations participating.

The program allows customers to buy an extra meal for someone else and have a ticket placed on a bulletin board for pickup.

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Kassie Tate, owner of Cafe 79510, said she decided to implement the program in her business because it aligns with her values.

“When I was contacted about the program, I just thought of a community coming together, loving each other, which seemed like a great thing to be a part of,” Tate said. “People are definitely watching their work for pennies right now. We all are. I mean, I don’t care what class you fall in; you’re aware of your finances right now.”

Rotha Sun, owner of Clyde Donuts, shared that she had always followed the same moral system, even before the program.

“Before I used to see other people come here and ask for donuts; without the program happening, we always donated the donuts and coffee to them all the time,” Sun said. “I met people [who say] I don’t have enough money to get something. I want something like that, so I know that feeling.”

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Tate added that she has seen a great response from residents since adding the program to her cafe.

“I was shocked at how many people are so moved by it. We have had people come in and give and excited to give,” Tate said. “We may not be able to fix all the problems, but if you could buy somebody lunch or breakfast, it makes people feel good.”

The program has even extended outside of Clyde into Abilene at NobiliTEA on the south side of town.

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