Bruce Banner is a quiet and reserved fellow who you’d normally view as being an introvert, when not in his Hulk-like form. Mark Ruffalo, who’s most notable for playing him in films, seems to be slightly more outgoing. And he also has a heart of gold (and a love of caffeine) which makes him even more unique from his character. For example, this year he participated in a Starbucks Challenge that’s hard not to love. In short, he’s paying for coffee for those in need with a universal gift card that he’s hoping everyone else contributes to.
Coffee is something that many of us have in common. It can cheer us up, or warm us up on the coldest of days. It’s also a great way to inspire a hangout with friends. So, Ruffalo figured a great way to pay it forward this year was to load up a gift card and inspire his fans and community to financially add to it, and use it if they chose.
Thankfully, nobody’s abused the system so far. And in fact, plenty of people are spreading the love by using the card for homeless shelters. Just think about how many people will benefit from this good deed.
I was so inspired by your generous spirit during the #PayItForwardChallenge last year that I want to do it again this holiday season! Enjoy a drink on me this morning. I encourage you to add on to this gift card or start your own ☕️ pic.twitter.com/weMhCsBjaR
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) December 19, 2018
Not only is it sweet, but other celebrities like Tom Holland were quick to respond to it.
Mark how do I do this? This is amazing!
— Tom Holland (@TomHolland1996) December 19, 2018
You can go to Starbucks and add onto the card or start your own like @Zendaya did (which is probably easier) #PayItForwardChallenge
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) December 19, 2018
Ruffalo also responded back to fans who shared their own way of paying it forward with Starbucks. And of course, he made sure to utilize green hearts.
💚💚💚
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) December 19, 2018
Aside from Holland and Zendaya, he also chose to expand his challenge even more by inviting some of his other celebrity buddies, like Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans.
Let’s shake it up! I challenge @DonCheadle, @ChrisEvans, @RobertDowneyJr, @TomHolland1996, @Zendaya, & @shaunking to join me in spreading the holiday cheer. You can start your own gift card, add to this one, or donate to an organization of your choice 💚 #PayItForwardChallenge https://t.co/MZzzEQ6eXb
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) December 19, 2018
Not only is it a great gesture, but it proves that these superheroes really had a strong connection on the set of their Avengers movies.
If you’re a bit hesitant, just know that the card definitely works.
And, people have been pitching in and creating cards themselves for others to use and add to.
Saw the #PayItForwardChallenge and decided to join in on the fun. Cozy up with a warm drink on me ☕️✨ Please enjoy with a thrilling page-turner.
— Marisha Pessl (@marishapessl) December 21, 2018
Thanks for the inspiration, @MarkRuffalo! pic.twitter.com/18Vqc0DVlD
here we go again! as always, inspired by @MarkRuffalo to do some good. enjoy the treats! ☕️ #PayItForwardChallenge pic.twitter.com/3eBOWoRDLQ
— 👻 Katie-Kate 👻 (@mspennycrumb) December 20, 2018
@MarkRuffalo inspired me to #payitforward so enjoy a cup of coffee on me fellow followers. Add to the card if ya want 🙂 Happy Holidays! pic.twitter.com/VAqxABrcps
— Celeste (@ExtCelestrial) December 20, 2018
But, that’s not all. Ruffalo has also started up a gift card at Barnes & Noble, because books are also amazing.
🎶On the third day of the #PayItForwardChallenge, I gave to thee...a free book (or two or three) 🎶
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) December 21, 2018
You know the drill. Buy a book, start your own card, gift it to a lucky someone in the Twitter-verse, and most importantly: pay it forward 📚 https://t.co/xPNcrTEN7E pic.twitter.com/JC40ckOSXj
But, that one seemed to go pretty quickly. But it’s still worth keeping an eye out, or even better, adding to, so that people can enjoy a fresh book this season.
In short, Mark Ruffalo is a holiday hero.
And according to his Twitter, more surprises will come.
Wow! That went fast. Hope you chose some great reads 📚
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) December 21, 2018
Might be some more surprises coming later...😏 Any ideas as to what it might be? https://t.co/U2FnVx8S9M
So, keep an eye out and remember to pay it forward. It might be just a few bucks to you, but the coffee someone purchases due to your generosity will never be forgotten.
