Lynn Wyant (right) of the Rescue Mission chatted recently with Brielle Robinson of Pecchia Communications at the Twisted Peacock Coffee Shop.

The Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley’s Coffee Trail fundraiser continues to grow in popularity as it generates more funds for the Youngstown homeless shelter and its recovery programs. 

The 2024 Coffee Trail enjoyed the highest level of participation in its three-year history, with 750 donors and 23 coffee shops taking part. The event also drew a record number of sponsors (including Pecchia Communications). 

Enthusiasm for 2025 is building.

 “We’re already signing up shops for next year, and we’ve got a brand new one on board,” said Lynn Wyant, the Rescue Mission’s chief development officer. “If everyone comes back, we might have even more.

“We had more shops participate, more sponsors take part, and more prizes in the grand prize. I guess I just figured after three years that it kind of plateaued, and it’s just been surprising me that every year it kind of seems to get bigger and better.”

The 2024 Coffee Trail raised more than $34,000 in cash and another $46,000+ in in-kind value, such as advertising, for the mission’s work to help people get back on their feet. 

How the Coffee Trail works

For a gift of $25 or more to the Rescue Mission, Coffee Trail donors receive a trail guide filled with free coffee offers from participating shops. They can visit the shops (in any order) to collect codes and redeem offers. 

Those who visit every participating shop within the program timeline can enter a drawing for a grand prize.

The trail guides are limited in number (just 750 last year) and they usually sell out in a matter of days – sometimes faster.   

Starting this year, the Coffee Trail fundraiser will run from the first Monday in October until the first Monday in December.

Community involvement

Local coffee shop owners are drawn to participate by a strong sense of community. 

 They “are really invested in the area,” Wyant said. 

“They’re kind and compassionate, and they love what they do. It’s a bonus for them because they’re doing good sharing their coffee with people on the trail. Plus, the coffee trail folks are great customers, they tip well and often grab a treat while they’re there.”

Kindness, compassion and generosity. Sounds like a powerful brew.