Roy Lane hoping to encourage people to write, share with new mailbox

Jesse Bonello - Staff Writer

After reading the book “Every Breath” by Nicholas Sparks, Nancy Roy was inspired to give Sioux Lookout residents and visitors an opportunity to write and share personal thoughts and stories.
Roy has set up a mailbox inside of her store Roy Lane Coffee, which is located at 84 ½ Front Street, where people can submit, and read, personal stories and thoughts.
“I think it is a neat way to share your thoughts and stories. This is kind of like the message in a bottle. You write it down and hope someone finds it and gets what your message is. Whether you are looking to cleanse your soul, shout from the rooftop, or simply reflect on life’s experience, this is the place to do it,” she shared.
“I just think that this is a neat idea to get people off their phones, come and have a coffee, and really think about what’s going on. Think about what makes other people tick, and maybe leave a message for someone else… Maybe somebody has done something really neat or special that day. It’s a neat way to leave your mark,” she added.
After talking with a few people who used to live in Sioux Lookout, Roy said they’re going to be writing in to the mailbox as well.
Along with reading and writing thoughts and stories, Roy has left two Roy Lane Coffee Books inside the mailbox for people who haven’t had the chance to read them.
“People can read in there what people put but, hopefully, people will also write things in there to leave it. It’s a good start right now. There’s a book in there of where people came, why they’re here in Sioux Lookout visiting, what they think about our town, and what they find unique about it. There are three good books right now to start it off with, so people can come and start that… There is a pen and paper in there, and a note book. Write On!” she said.
Roy also mentioned that the best stories will quietly receive a coffee card or a lunch card.