As the government shutdown moves into day nine, more eateries are trying to ease the financial pain of furloughed employees.
CNBC reported that a Washington, D.C., Starbucks is collecting cash to support furloughed workers in need.
Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, also announced he will be giving away free coffee to customers who can give an example on how to get along According to the Associated Press, from Wednesday to Friday the coffee chain will be offering a free tall brewed coffee to any customer in the United States who buys another person a beverage at Starbucks.
"[The offer is a way to help fellow citizens] support and connect with one another, even as we wait for our elected officials to do the same for our country" Schultz said in a memo to staff on Tuesday, according to the AP.
Schulz said he wanted lawmakers to come together to resolve their political gridlock. The act of kindness is the CEO's way of doing something about Americans' uncertainly over the federal shutdown.
"In times like these, a small act of generosity and civility can make a big difference," said an ad being published in The New York Times, Washington Post and USA Today on Wednesday. "Let's see what can happen. #payitforward."
In 2011, Schultz asked other chief executives to join him in halting campaign contributions until politicians stopped their partisan bickering. CEOs of more than 100 companies, from AOL to Zipcar, took the pledge.
Marshal Cohen, chief retail analyst at The NPD Group, said the latest campaign will not have the same political effect because it lacks the kind of punishment that makes lawmakers think twice.
