Free Cookie Friday

There’s a guy at our company who passes out cookies every Friday. He goes from office to office, cube to cube with a package of store-bought cookies, a generous smile and a simple refrain: “Free Cookie Friday.”

I don’t know who this guy is. (My friends and I call him The Cookie Guy). I don’t know where he works in the building. Or what he does for the company. Or why he doles out free cookies weekly.

But I love it.

Of course, I love the well-timed, end-of-week sweet (He always arrives during the mid-afternoon doldrums). More importantly, I love the fact that one of my anonymous colleagues takes the initiative to share a small bit of Friday happiness with everyone in the company.

He brings different cookies every week, so there’s always a delicious sense of anticipation: Chips Ahoy? Fudge Deluxe? Strawberry Newton? Whichever, it’s a welcome surprise.

I could easily learn more about The Cookie Guy. Heck, I could simply ask his name next time he comes around. But the anonymity makes the exchange even more sublime. That Nilla Wafer or Pecan Sandie is often the highlight of my day—not for the yummy calories it contains, but for the kindness it evokes.

The Cookie Guy disappeared for a while, assigned to some project outside the building, I assume. It took a few weeks to realize he was gone, for me to figure out what was missing from my Friday afternoons. When he and his Nutter Butters eventually returned, it was like an old friend had come back into my life (admittedly, one whose name I do not know).

Thank you, Cookie Guy, for Free Cookie Friday. In our hurly burly modern world, such unexpected gestures are far too rare. You remind us that one tiny act of kindness—even one so small as an Oreo—can truly brighten a stranger’s day.

Posted By: Chad Kirtland

Comment(s): 8  |  (+) Add a Comment

Sheri said on 19 Mar, 2010 at 5:17 PM
I enjoy the free cookies, too, as well as the baked good fairies who leave treats in the kitchen. I think it's just a nice thing that we care for each other, share our talents (baking or choosing nostalgic treats). Why not spread a little kindness?

Leslie said on 17 Feb, 2010 at 5:07 PM
I love this post! Vive the cookie guy!

Wes Isley said on 16 Feb, 2010 at 9:22 PM
I do know his name--but I must keep it secret! It's kind of like Batman or Superman. Once you know the real person, the mystery is gone!

Evan said on 14 Feb, 2010 at 5:40 AM
When Free Cookie Guy left our establishment, we seriously considered donning Free Cookie Guy masks and continuing FCF just to preserve sanity.

Next time you see him, tell him "the purple mist ushers in a listless dawn." He won't know what it means or anything, and you'll look stupid.

Melanie said on 14 Feb, 2010 at 1:29 AM
The cookie guy is my brother and yes, he is awesome!!!

Kara said on 13 Feb, 2010 at 3:36 PM
He used to bring me cookies too. Fridays just haven't been the same without Free Cookie Friday.

And yes, he is a great guy.

Jon said on 12 Feb, 2010 at 9:04 PM
Hey I know that guy!

Derek Lidbom said on 12 Feb, 2010 at 9:00 PM
That guy used to work in my office and do FCF too!

(I'm serious, not being stupid...he's a great guy)

Ask him his name...he is quite a



(previous sentence left unfinished, because you appear to enjoy the mystery).

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