Co-owner Mike LaPointe talks with a volunteer outside the shop Friday afternoon
This sign greets customers as they enter.
What began as Firewheel Books and Beans opened five years ago on Oakes just north of Hewitt. Later the shop moved to its current location at 2727 Colby in downtown Everett. It was born out of the spirit of the Occupy Wall Street movement and the rally against the so-called 1 percenters. It’s an eclectic place that tries to welcome everyone, even those who may be down on their luck. Now the owners are making the following plea for your help…
The Firewheel has struggled financially while becoming a needed safe haven and successful resource in our community. We have hosted meetings, movies, weddings, baby showers, anniversaries and fundraiser events for many other worthy purposes and charities. The list goes on and on.
We offered this space to the community without charge. We gratefully accept donations but have never turned anyone away who could not pay. And those who visit our cafe have joined in our building our community . Our “shared coffee” program has provided a free, warm cup of coffee and comfortable place to rest for many a a weary soul.
Individuals and local businesses have provided all weather gear and other essentials to those in need of shelter and last year a Thanksgiving feast for all who came through our door. The rich, poor, in between, the desperate and the grateful have all filled our space to share a meal, conversation and a smile.
If there was ever a time to come to the aid of The Firewheel, this is the time. Enjoy this event and head over to the Shop for more good conversation. There are so few special places left in our communities we cannot afford to let another fall by the wayside.
If you can help between now and Wednesday please do. If you’d like to learn more about the Firewheel check out their Facebook page here.
September 30, 2016
Downtown Everett, Everett