For the troops fighting on the front lines, a warm cup of coffee provides a small touch of home. At the local Starbucks around Bellevue, customers have the opportunity to donate a pound of coffee or a box of the new VIA instant coffee to the troops.

The coffee donations will be sent directly to SSG Tim Waters, a local Starbucks Partner, and the 40 members of his troop in Iraq.

According to a Starbucks spokesperson, Starbucks customers and partners (employees) have the deepest respect and admiration for U.S. military personnel. To show gratitude to the men and women, many Starbucks partners have chosen to donate their free pound of coffee they are given each week to the troops overseas. Customers can now do the same by purchasing a box of VIA instant coffee for $9.99 or a pound of coffee for $9.95 and the coffee will be shipped overseas.

For a List of local Bellevue Starbucks, visit www.starbucks.com.