South Whidbey Commons is a place for people of all generations to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee. To help that cup be a little more accessible, the Commons has implemented a new tool: suspended coffee.

Suspended coffee is the practice of buying an extra cup of coffee or food to leave for a person in need. The idea is based on an Italian goodwill tradition of small acts of kindness, which has taken root around the world.

The Commons first heard of this idea from Shawn Nowlin, community outreach coordinator for Good Cheer Food Bank & Thrift Stores.

Cheryl Sagmeister, the new executive director for South Whidbey Commons, took hold of the concept and jumped at the opportunity to implement it at the Commons.

They handed out their first cup Tuesday, Jan. 7.

Since then, through word-of-mouth, people have purchased about 30 suspended drinks.

“We’re able to help other people who are in need for some warmth and enjoy a cup of coffee,” Sagmeister said.

She said the experience has been good for the volunteers at the Commons as well.

“The kids are over the moon,” she said, of their excitement. “It’s an eye opener for some of them.”