How to Get Free Starbucks Coffee

The brand name "Starbucks Coffee" evokes mixed reactions across members of the public. Some love it, drink it religiously and refuse to accept alternatives to their favorite Starbucks brew. Others loathe the chain corporation, criticizing the high prices and declaring them greedy.

But while the taste of the coffee is left up to individual discretion, the inflated prices on a la carte beverages or bite sized snacks cannot be denied. I have to admit that while I've always had faith in Starbucks' altruism and defended the company in relevant discussions with my anti-Starbucks-enthusiast friends I only knew very little about the corporation's philanthropic mission; I still had some skepticism within me.

I just happened, however, to come across an email from the Starbucks Coffee Company that educated me a little further regarding Starbucks' commitment to larger, worldly causes and reconfirmed my own allegiance to the corporate giant coffee makers.

Want a free cup of coffee?

It might be in your interest to learn more about Starbucks' community initiatives as well. Read on.

Starbucks is running a promotion beginning January 21-25, 2009 to encourage customers to give their time to the community through volunteering. In return for your promise to contribute, they are offering a free cup of coffee.

Starbucks is asking each person to commit to just five hours of volunteer activities in any area of interest, for any cause you are drawn to. The official Starbucks Pledge5 Campaign website allows you to enter your zip code and/or keyword of volunteer interest to search for volunteer opportunities in your area.

The website for the Starbucks Campaign can be found at Starbucks Pledge 5 Free Coffee Promotion. There you can download a Pledge Card to document your five hour volunteer promise and an official "I'm In" badge to embed on your blog or website to show your online network of friends your vow of support.

Otherwise, simply visit your local Starbucks between January 21-25th and announce to the baristas your desire to be "in" and you will be thanked with a free tall brewed cu pf of coffee on the spot, promptly.