Smart Owl Coffee has launched a new initiative to donate a portion of coffee sales to charitable projects in Central Illinois and Missouri.

The first recipient of the GIVE-a-HOOT PROGRAM is TreeHouse Wildlife Center in Dow, Illinois. Smart Owl Coffee is working with TreeHouse Wildlife Center to establish a scholarship to fund education and enrichment programs designed for schools, classrooms, and service organizations, in underprivileged areas in Central Illinois and Missouri.

The programs will use education ambassador animals in their permanent resident program, combined with a discussion of the natural histories of native species and current issues affecting them. The scholarship covers the cost of an education coordinator, travel, and supplies such as activity books and educational materials.

“Our mission in this partnership is to inspire an interest in nature and stewardship in future generations with the hopes that it will engage youngsters and enhance their lives in a meaningful way,” said Smart Owl Coffee owner Faith Valenti.

The Smart Owl Coffee family has visited Treehouse Wildlife Center regularly during the past five years.

“Between the charming visitor center and close interactions with wild critters, we fell in love,” said Faith.

"Incorporating nature and a passion for the outdoors and fitness into our everyday life has been a priority for our family. Treehouse has been a little gem for our kids, getting them excited to learn and gain respect for our natural world.

“As our company has grown, we decided to give back to the community that has shown us so much support. With big plans for the coming years, we are excited to share our connection to this magical place with others.”

From the sale of each new seasonal spring/summer Smart Owl Coffee blend, the company will donate $2 to the scholarship program.

“The new coffee, Essentials Blend, coming out this spring, uses USDA organic Italian roast Nicaraguan arabica infused with cinnamon, vitamin B12, L-Theanine, and nine essential amino acids, providing great nutritive sources for sustained energy, and it tastes great served hot or cold,” said Faith.

Established in 1979, TreeHouse Wildlife Center is a non-profit dedicated to rehabilitating sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife and the educational promotion of environmental stewardship and awareness, funded through donations, programs, events, and memberships.

Kelly Vandersand of TreeHouse Wildlife Center said it is excited to provide free, quality environmental education to schools, groups, and organizations that qualify for the Environmental Education Scholarship. 

“We will be able to bring nature to classrooms and organizations that would not have the opportunity without businesses like Smart Owl Coffee sponsoring our scholarship program,” said Kelly.

“It is amazing to connect people to nature. Our staff and volunteers dedicate their lives to saving wildlife and caring for the animals entrusted to us. We are passionate about sharing our knowledge and experiences with the public. We now have many new opportunities to reach students and hopefully create the same excitement about wildlife. We hope to inspire our next generation of environmental leaders.

“We appreciate Faith and her family for helping to create a better world for our wildlife through their dedication and donation to our environmental education scholarship. I am also really excited to try Smart Owl Coffee.”

Onsite programs require one chaperone to 10 children. If you are interested in participating in the scholarship program and meet the above criteria, please call 618-466-2990.