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A Cup For A Can Is How One Business Owner Is Donating To The Food Bank

TIMONIUM, Md. (WJZ) -- You can score a free cup of coffee and help those in need in Baltimore. A popular local coffee company is giving back to the community.

Ron Matz has more on "A Cup for a Can" campaign.

WJZ and the Orioles team up every season to help the Maryland Food Bank.

Baltimore Coffee and Tea is stepping up to the plate Friday and Saturday at its three area locations.

"On Friday and Saturday at all three of our stores -- Timonium, Annapolis and Frederick -- if you bring in any non-perishable food item for the Maryland Food Bank, we'll treat you to a free cup of coffee or tea, hot or iced, any size, or a dollar off any espresso-based drink," said Mary Romeo, Baltimore Coffee and Tea.

It's "A Cup for a Can" and customers are ready to help.

"This means a lot to us because this time of year our donations tend to be a little bit lower because it's after the holiday season. This is really wonderful. This will help spread the word we need donations all year long; hunger doesn't take a holiday. We've seen a 30 to 50 percent increase in need. We're finding now more than ever we're serving that middle-class family that can't make ends meet. It's not just the homeless. It's people who are working poor who are struggling to pay for their utilities and mortgage and trying to feed their families," said Rebecca Keyser, Maryland Food Bank.

A successful company is giving back.

"I think it's great. I think a lot of local businesses in the area could probably take notice of this and do something themselves. It's a great commitment to the community. It's a nice company here, very nice people," said Gary Guiou, customer.

Volunteers are encouraged to bring canned tuna, peanut butter and other high protein foods.

"People should bring things like canned protein -- things like tuna and peanut butter, beans, things like that -- also canned fruits and canned vegetables and things like granola bars and snack bars," said Keyser.

"We came up with it because we knew the Maryland Food Bank had a need and we had an opportunity to help them. We thought what a great way to reward our customers for donating. We're just so happy to be able to do it," said Romeo.

Baltimore Coffee and Tea has three area locations--Towson, Annapolis and Frederick.

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