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Local coffee shop donates $45,000 from 'Keep the Change' jar to domestic violence shelter

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A metro coffee shop doesn't accept tips, but since customers insisted they put the money to good use -- to help victims of domestic violence. 

Beth and Steve Hines opened Groundhouse Coffee, in Gardner, Kansas, in 2012 and decided not to accept tips.

"We knew that we didn't want to do tips," said Beth. "We felt like if we're making you a cup of coffee you really don't need to tip. But people kept insisting."

The owners decided to donate the money to a local charity. They chose SafeHome, Johnson County's only domestic violence agency.

Madison Meyer started working at the coffee shop three years ago.

Even during her interview, she noticed the "Keep The Change Jar."

She volunteered at SafeHome in high school.

"What surprised me the most is the need for it," she said. "That's a shock that you really can never get over. There are so many women and families who need this kind of resource."

Since 2012, Groundhouse Coffee has donated nearly $45,000. A number the owners and employees are proud of.

"It makes you feel good that you are helping in someway for these women to get out of abusive situations and the children," said Hines.

SafeHome will hold it's annual fundraiser, "SafeHome Saturday Night" on June 10.

It will be held at the Sheraton in Overland Park, Kansas. It will include an evening of auctions, gourmet food and entertainment by Missy Koonce and dueling pianos by Howl at the Moon.