Q1 Cause Coffee Recap

Small Gestures, Big Impact: A Look at Our Q1 Cause Coffee Donations

At Bird Rock Coffee Roasters, coffee is just the beginning. While we’re committed to sourcing and roasting the best coffee possible, our mission reaches far beyond the cup. We believe in building community, uplifting nonprofits, and amplifying the powerful stories behind the causes we support. And through our monthly Cause Coffees, we’ve had the privilege of turning everyday purchases into meaningful impact.

Here’s the truth: none of this would be possible without you. Every bag, every pour over, every mug you’ve purchased has helped us give back in ways both big and small—ways that ripple out into real, tangible change.

Through these cause coffees, we’ve connected with incredible people and organizations, each doing vital work in their communities. And again and again, we’re reminded that small acts of kindness and generosity—when multiplied by a community—can make a world of difference.

Here’s how your support made an impact in Q1:

Love Letters Blend: Supporting the California Community Foundation Wildfire Recovery Fund

In January, our beautiful state—and our neighbors just up the coast in Los Angeles—were hit hard by devastating wildfires. The LA Wildfires tore through communities, destroying thousands of acres and hundreds of structures, and displacing countless families. While wildfires are, unfortunately, a known reality in California, nothing could have prepared us for the scale and impact of this one.

We knew we had to do something.

So we decided to dedicate this year’s Love Letters Blend to wildfire recovery efforts. This wasn’t just about coffee—it was about helping our fellow Californians rebuild. Through the blend, along with sales from our “Love Mugs,” we pledged to support the California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund, an organization focused not only on immediate relief, but on long-term, sustainable recovery for the communities hit hardest.

• $1 per bag of the Love Letters Blend sold
  

• $5 per "Love Mug" sold
  

• Matching donation by Bird Rock
  
  

This fund provides immediate relief and long-term recovery for communities impacted by wildfires across California. But more than just urgent support, they focus on sustainable rebuilding—especially for underserved and vulnerable communities often left behind when the media moves on.

From their mission:

“CCF ensures that resources reach those most in need, leveraging partnerships with community-based organizations and government agencies while using data from CalFire and the CDC’s Social Vulnerability Index to prioritize underserved communities.”

Your support helped fund:

• Housing, medical care, and trauma-informed mental health services
  

• Emergency infrastructure restoration
  

• Financial support and legal resources for low-wage workers and immigrant families
  
  

And perhaps most heartwarmingly of all, you helped us send a little extra love directly to the firefighters on the frontlines.

From the Frontlines: A Call from Encino Fire Station

We received a call from Encino Fire Station not long after we sent out our Love Letters postcards. The man on the line said they’d received a bundle of handwritten notes from Bird Rock Coffee customers—and it truly caught them off guard.

“They made everyone at the station smile,” he said. “It meant more than you could know.”

When we explained the postcard initiative—how we invited our community to write messages of love and gratitude, and how we made sure to include stations that had fought in the LA Wildfires —there was a pause.

And then, with a deep, weary sigh, he said:

“Thank you. This has been so hard on us. We didn’t think anyone noticed.”

That moment reminded us: the smallest gestures often carry the most weight.

Blue Heart Foundation: Black History Month Partner

In February, we donated $1 from every Kenya Kagumoini AA pour over sold to support the life-changing work of The Blue Heart Foundation, an incredible nonprofit that uplifts and mentors young Black men across San Diego County.

From their team:

“Your continued support means the world to us and to the incredible young men we serve. Your donations make a direct and meaningful impact.”

Here’s how your coffee fueled their programs:

• Academic success: Personalized coaching, STEM workshops, and digital learning tools
  

• College prep: HBCU tours, resume-building sessions, and career readiness coaching
  

• Emotional wellness: Reflection workbooks and affirmations to support mental health and resilience
  
  

Because of you, more young men are growing into confident, community-minded leaders with the resources and encouragement they need to thrive.

The Letter Project: Women’s History Month

For Women’s History Month this year, we partnered with The Letter Project, an all-women-led organization that believes in the power of words to uplift and heal. Their mission is simple but profound: to write handwritten letters of encouragement to girls and women who are going through difficult seasons—whether it’s grief, illness, isolation, or self-doubt.

At a time when mental health struggles are on the rise, especially among young women and girls, it’s work like The Letter Project’s that is quietly, powerfully making a difference. These letters are more than kind words—they’re lifelines. Reminders that someone out there sees them, believes in them, and cares.

Our donation from March’s cause coffee will help cover 2–3 months of shipping and bundle materials, ensuring hundreds of heartfelt letters can continue finding their way to those who need them most..

“Holy cow!!! That is so incredibly helpful,” they wrote. “Your donation will pay for shipping and bundle materials for 2-3 months.”

That’s hundreds of letters of hope and solidarity—thanks to you.

The Road Ahead

We’re so proud of what we accomplished together in Q1, but we’re just getting started. With every sip, every story, and every shared cause, we’re building a more connected, compassionate world—one cup at a time.

Thank you for drinking coffee with heart.
Stay tuned for more Cause Coffees and the powerful people they support.