In a world where cashless transactions and digital payments dominate, it’s easy to overlook the value of traditional methods, especially when it comes to fostering community spirit. However, one innovative solution has emerged in some neighborhoods and local eateries: wood coins. These quaint, tactile tokens serve not only as a means of payment but also as a catalyst for connection and goodwill within the community. Picture this: you walk into your favorite neighborhood café, your stomach rumbling and your wallet empty. Usually, this would spell disappointment, but not today. As you approach the counter, you notice a small wooden bowl filled with rustic coins engraved with the café’s logo. These are no ordinary coins; they’re wooden tokens, each representing a meal. The concept is simple yet profound: community members who find themselves short on cash can exchange a wood coin for a meal. It’s a system built on trust and generosity, where individuals support one another in times of need. But how does it work, and why has it become such a beloved tradition in some communities?
Kristi Beisecker is a graphic designer, photographer, printmaker and alternative scientist whose interested in making images through two contrasting elements. She is also a blogger in lifestyle, travel, wellness and health, art and design, beauty and fashion.
