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Feed 188 families each week at Neighbors' Pantry in Haarlem

Help keep a free food pantry open for elderly neighbors in Haarlem.

Anywhere in the world3,113 views
Gijs Joost Sanders
Email verifiedNational ID verified
Haarlem
Since 2019, our volunteer team has run Neighbors' Pantry every Friday from the back of the old library basement. We started with 9 families, and now we feed 188 each week. Donations have dropped by about 48% this summer, while the line has grown every single week. We rely on volunteers - 7 of us - and keep no salaries or overhead. I buy staples at wholesale prices at the Haarlem market and keep every receipt. Each $50 feeds a family of four for a week. All of the funds go to groceries, fresh produce, and cold-storage costs. Where the $2,550 goes: • Baby formula and diapers: $480 • Fresh vegetables and fruit: $370 • Rice, beans, flour and oil (wholesale): $1,700 With deep gratitude, Gijs

Updates from Gijs

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  • Anonymous 🇺🇸 · $200
  • Anonymous 🇬🇧 · $100
  • Isamu Yuma Ogawa 🇯🇵 · $100
  • Henry Ikenna Oyelaran 🇳🇬 · $100
  • Paula S. Serrano 🇺🇸 · $100
  • Adalynn W. Coleman 🇨🇦 · $73
  • Indira N. Gowda 🇮🇳 · $65
  • Wangari Rose Wafula 🇰🇪 · $54
  • Megan S. Pillay 🇿🇦 · $50
  • Emil Nyström 🇸🇪 · $50
  • Jules Maxime Paul 🇲🇦 · $50

    “You got this. Hope the December deadline works out. - Casablanca”

  • Iryna Svetlana Polishchuk 🇺🇦 · $50
  • Zain Khalid Hashmi 🇵🇰 · $50
  • Olivia H. Reddy 🇿🇦 · $50
  • Irene Gifty Addo 🇬🇭 · $50

    “Rooting for you. Only $50 but hope it helps. - Accra”

  • Baptiste Duval 🇲🇦 · $50
  • James Opio Wafula 🇰🇪 · $44

    “Keep your head up. Thought of Gijs all day after reading this. - Kasarani”

  • Dennis W. Whitfield 🇬🇧 · $42
  • Caleb Prescott 🇺🇸 · $25

    “Wish I could do more. Saw your post and had to give. - Cleveland”

  • Caterina Francesca Barbieri 🇮🇹 · $25

Reviews

3.2(6 reviews)

Only people who gave to this need, or whose offer to help was accepted, can review it.

  • Clement Felix Donkor🇬🇭Verified donor
    Amazing support system

    I was struggling and didn't know where to turn. This person stepped in without hesitation and provided exactly what I needed. Their compassion and expertise made all the difference in my life.

  • Macharia Waweru Maina🇰🇪Verified donor
    Went above and beyond

    Couldn't have asked for better support. They listened carefully, understood my situation deeply, and provided thoughtful advice that actually worked. Thank you so much.

  • Ricardo F. Bravo🇺🇸Verified donor
    Reliable and compassionate

    I was struggling and didn't know where to turn. This person stepped in without hesitation and provided exactly what I needed. Their compassion and expertise made all the difference in my life.

  • Aleena Kiran Khan🇵🇰Verified donor
    Exceptional service

    I was struggling and didn't know where to turn. This person stepped in without hesitation and provided exactly what I needed. Their compassion and expertise made all the difference in my life.

  • Modupe Peace Obi🇳🇬Verified helper
    Changed my perspective

    This helper is honest and transparent about what they can do. They didn't overpromise, but they did deliver excellent results. I would definitely trust them again.

  • Tithi Lamia Siddique🇧🇩Verified donor
    Trustworthy helper

    I can't speak highly enough about this helper. They were available when I needed them, supportive when I felt lost, and practical in their solutions.

Questions & comments

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  • Is there a list of costs somewhere? Just curious how it adds up for Gijs.

    • Gijs Joost SandersOwnerAnswerID verified

      Everything on the list is an amount I've been quoted or invoiced. baby formula and diapers comes first ($480) and I'll update the page as each thing gets paid.

  • Sending love. Hope you get there. Thinking of Haarlem.

    • Sending strength, Gijs. Reading this made my day a bit heavier but I'm glad I did. God bless

      • Wishing you peace. I hope things turn around soon. My late mom used to say help given quietly counts double

        • Stay strong, Gijs. Hope this works out for you. After 20 years in nursing I know how hard it's to ask for anything.

          • shared it with a few friends. Put this on a community board in Pretoria this morning. Blessings.

            • Thinking of you, Gijs. More neighborhoods should do this. Greetings from Likoni.

              $1,665 raised of $2,550

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