MOUNT CARMEL, Pa. — The sneakers are on display and everything is ready for the grand opening of Athletic Drip, which is Mount Carmel's newest business. Tess Johns-Coffee says Athletic Drip is her husband Thomas Coffee's dream.
"He was a big sneakerhead. Cars, basketball were his main things, so he wants to bring the things he loves and bring the kids together to move in the right direction and stay positive," Tess Johns-Coffee said.
The Coffees are from the Philadelphia area, but Thomas is currently incarcerated at SCI Coal Township. He tells Newswatch 16 that he constantly sees young people on the wrong path. He wants to do something to change that and prevent them from going to prison.
"Our whole goal is to inspire the youth and push them in the right direction so they don't end up in a situation like him," Johns-Coffee said.
The Coffees are opening Athletic Drip as a way to help young people.
"It could be a hangout for some of the kids in the area. Keep them off the streets. We have things on TV, the sneakers. They can come in and relate on that topic," Johns-Coffee said.
The store carries sneakers for men, women, and children and has a vault room featuring elite sneakers. Johns-Coffee says the store will host community events like coat drives and school supply giveaways.
"Just have a good time, give out some free stuff. Have the kids enjoy themselves, not focus on that outside world that can sometimes get in the way of the positivity and move them in the right way," Johns-Coffee said.
The grand opening for Athletic Drip is Saturday.