BALTIMORE (WMAR) — Even with the dining shut down, one Baltimore restaurant is doing what they can to help the city's homeless population.
Since starting the campaign, Tiny Brick Oven in Federal Hill has been able to give out over 300 meals to people that need them, all because their customers pay it forward.
"It’s certainly enriched our lives in many ways," said Will Fagg, the owner of Tiny Brick Oven.
He got the idea of a pay it forward campaign from a restaurant in Philadelphia and decided to give it a try.
"People will come in to buy their pizza and they’ll see the board and they will ask about it and then they will make a donation so it seems like a few get used and a few get replenished," said Fagg.
Customers can choose to buy a meal combo for $9 and leave a note paying it forward. Then someone who needs the meal can come in and redeem it.
Nicole Duckworth has used the program a few times, and told all her friends about it too.
"Being homeless, sometimes you can’t go into a restaurant. I can come in here, get one of the little tags, give it to them. Everybody is super friendly, no judgment. Get fresh hot food and I'm good for the night," said Duckworth.
In three months, they’ve given out 339 meals.
"It seemed like a great way to allow people to help us to help others. They feel good about it. We feel really good about it. And people that are hungry get to be fed so it’s a win win win," said Fagg.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you. It’s really appreciated. Not just by me. Countless other homeless people that come here too," said Duckworth.
Because of the holidays, they are running low on their stock of donated meals. To pay it forward, you can donate a meal during carryout or online.
