My name is Myra Gleason, a local musician in Salem, Oregon. 2 Years ago I was in a Denny's eating an extremely early morning hamburger. A homeless individual comes in and when finally seated he asled how much a hot chocolate was. The waiter said "$2.59." He said okay and asked for a moment to think about it. It was obvious this man didn't have the funds to purchase so I went up to the counter upon paying and asked the server if I could buy that man's hot chocolate. Here is how the conversation went:

Me: May I purchase his hot chocolate as well.

Waiter: No, that promotes homelessnes. 

Me: What?! Are you meaning to tell me I can't purchase a hot choclate at $2.59 for this man to stay warmer for another hour?

Waiter: No, Ma'am. 

Me: Explain to me how this promotes homelessness? Are you going to stop me from giving him the money so he can stay here?

Waiter: What you do with your money is up to you.

Me: So why can't I purchase the hot chocolate from you, right here?

Waiter: No ma'am.

I left that night outraged that even the smallest of gestures or kindness was viewed as evil. Because they didn't want this man in their restaurant, if but for a moment. 

So, It's taken me a while to do this but I am asking for $2.75 a person to purchase hot chocolate for the homeless population. To show them that buying a hot chocolate is not promoting homelessness but it is promoting kindness. Kindness that they often don't receive.