100 Starbucks Veterans and Partners Drop to #GiveThem20


Legs, back and head straight; arms bent to a 90-degree angle; bodies moving up and down as a single unit.

There’s a proper form to the perfect push up, and about 100 Starbucks partners, many of them veterans, nailed it in a social-media-fueled challenge to support those transitioning from military service to the civilian workforce.

#GiveThem20 is an initiative started by American Corporate Partners, a nonprofit that assists veterans through career development counseling, mentoring, and networking opportunities.

The challenge is simple, much like last summer’s Ice Bucket Challenge which had people dumping buckets of ice water on themselves to raise awareness and funds for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. “Drop and give me 20” is a phrase military men and women are familiar with. The order is usually given by a commanding officer as a form of discipline, but in the #GiveMe20 social media campaign it’s taking on a new meaning as a visible sign of support for veterans. After completing 20 push-ups, individuals or companies then post their accomplishment and urge others to do the same.

Pepsi nominated Starbucks for the push-ups challenge in a tweet and video: We dropped to #GiveThem20 for our vets. Now it's your turn @Starbucks! Are you up for it?

Given Starbucks significant commitment to veterans and military spouses, the answer was a resounding yes. Building on Starbucks commitment to hire 10,000 veterans and military spouses before the end of 2018, the company is also opening a dozen Military Family Stores. Find stories related to Starbucks support of veterans and military communities here: Paying Tribute, Creating Opportunity.

Starbucks has challenged Expedia and the Seattle Sounders FC to #GiveThem20.

thumbnail for Janeth, assistant store manager, California

Janeth, assistant store manager, California