Step into Café Sweets in Woodhaven, Mich., where the aroma of freshly baked goods isn’t the only thing warming hearts.

Owner Bridget Watson has whipped up something far sweeter: a community-driven miracle for Don, a homeless veteran whose life took a transformative turn thanks to simple acts of kindness — and a dash of Folgers coffee.

Bridget Watson, whose bakery is as much about generosity as it is about gluten-free muffins, first met Don when he stopped by seeking cans and bottles to exchange for cash, and sometimes a cup of coffee. “It makes me feel good to help other people — that’s all — I would help anybody,” Watson said. Learning about Don’s past — a Army veteran, former trucker, and lover of dogs and plants — she resolved to do more. “He has been in the Army, he’s worked for a trucking company, stuff like that,” she said. “He likes dogs, he likes plants.”

Fox 2 Detroit

Don would stop by, looking for discarded cans and bottles that he could turn in for money. When health issues prevented Don from taking a job Watson hoped to offer, she knew she had to come up with something else. She covered a motel stay, then turned to social media, sparking a tidal wave of support.

“I was going to offer him a job to try to help him, but knowing that he wasn’t going to be able to do that — I tried to find other ways,” she said. The community responded with open arms, donating winter coats, gloves, scarves, and hygiene kits.

Somebody donated their winter coat, which was a hunting coat, hats, gloves, scarves, masks, hygiene stuff,” Watson said.

But the sweetest part? A local renter offered Don an apartment for $50 a month. Watson said. “I have someone offering to pay for the rest of the year apartment right now – so the  community has gone above and beyond anything I could have done myself.”

Bridget Watson. Photo by Fox 2 Detroit

“Everyone has stepped in,” Watson said. “The community has gone above and beyond anything I could have done myself.” Though Don declined media attention, his gratitude is palpable. “He’s beyond grateful,” Watson said. “He doesn’t ask for much — just Pepsi and Folgers instant coffee. It’s good — I’m glad he’s better.”

It’s so amazing is it that a simple request turned into a life-changing moment for this veteran who proudly served our country. Watch below for a look at another coffee shop that made it their mission to help homeless vets with their cafe.

Sources: Sunny Skyz | Fox 2