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Help Rin keep the the Sunday Shelf pantry stocked

Help keep a free food pantry open for students and shift workers in Shinjuku.

🇯🇵 Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan1,516 views
Rin Megumi Ikeda
Email verified
Shinjuku
Since 2021, our volunteer team has run the Sunday Shelf every Thursday from the back of the mosque courtyard. We started with 10 families, and now we feed 85 each week. Donations have dropped by about 53% this summer, while the line has grown every single week. We rely on volunteers - 11 of us - and keep no salaries or overhead. I buy staples at wholesale prices at the Shinjuku market and keep every receipt. Each $40 feeds a family of four for a week. All of the funds go to groceries, fresh produce, and cold-storage costs. Where the $2,950 goes: • Rice, beans, flour and oil (wholesale): $1,500 • Fresh vegetables and fruit: $780 • Baby formula and diapers: $450 • Refrigeration and electricity: $220 If you're reading this, thank you.
#food-pantry#hunger#volunteer-led#food

Updates from Rin

  1. Quick update: $455 raised so far (15%). I made the first payment toward baby formula and diapers. Receipts coming as soon as I have them.

Donations

RecentTop gifts
  • Hamisi David Athumani 🇰🇪 · $5

    “Rooting for you. I'm in Kikuyu, thinking of you. - Kikuyu”

  • Aarti K. Thakur 🇮🇳 · $25
  • Bisma Bushra Memon 🇵🇰 · $5
  • Bithi Nipa Khan 🇮🇳 · $10

    “You got this. This is from my last paycheck, glad to do it. - Agra”

  • Alina Kiselev 🇷🇺 · $50
  • Fadi Mourad 🇺🇸 · $20
  • Anonymous 🇪🇬 · $100
  • Sharmila Rubina Alam 🇧🇩 · $15
  • Anonymous 🇻🇳 · $5
  • Daniela L. Castillo 🇪🇸 · $5
  • Vinayak C. Thakkar 🇮🇳 · $50

    “Hope this helps. Thought of Rin all day after reading this. - Pune”

  • Rizwan Waqas Iqbal 🇵🇰 · $25
  • Camille F. Campbell 🇯🇲 · $8

    “Happy to help. From Mandeville with love.”

  • Hamisi Kimani Macharia 🇹🇿 · $5
  • Saima Laiba Javed 🇵🇰 · $100
  • Irma Tika Gozali 🇮🇩 · $100
  • Shahana Rubina Chowdhury 🇮🇳 · $15
  • Anucha Chalerm Panyarachun 🇹🇭 · $100
  • Tunde Ebuka Yakubu 🇳🇬 · $50
  • Harish E. Vaidyanathan 🇮🇳 · $25

    “Thought of Rin all day after reading this. - Thrissur”

Reviews

3.3(6 reviews)

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

  • Alejandra F. Carrillo🇪🇸Verified helper
    Really cared about my situation

    The difference this person made in my life cannot be overstated. They were patient, kind, and persistent in helping me find solutions. Truly exceptional.

  • Jepkoech Nyambura Byaruhanga🇺🇬Verified donor
    Great help in a difficult time

    This experience has restored my faith in the goodness of people. The helper was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely cared about my outcome.

  • Burak Orhan Keskin🇹🇷Verified helper
    Restored my faith in humanity

    This is the kind of person who restores your faith in humanity. They didn't just offer help; they genuinely cared about my wellbeing and followed through on every commitment.

  • Tiffany C. Allen🇺🇸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.

  • Carolina J. Delgado🇪🇸Verified helper
    Exceeded expectations

    This is the kind of person who restores your faith in humanity. They didn't just offer help; they genuinely cared about my wellbeing and followed through on every commitment.

  • Duha Layla Gaber🇸🇦Verified donor
    Exceeded expectations

    I had a complex problem and this person helped me navigate it step by step. Their expertise combined with their kindness made all the difference.

Questions & comments

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  • Elias B. Miller

    Take care, Rin. Everyone deserves a bit of help sometimes. Sent it to 7 people at work. All the best

    • Orhan Ahmet PolatQuestion

      is there anything that isn't money that would help Rin?

      • Wafula Bakari Tembo

        Good luck, Rin. I've been in a tough spot myself and it does get easier. Sent it to 33 people at work. God bless.

        • Madhavan W. Raju

          Hope it all works out. Projects like this are what make a place worth living in. Love from George

          $1,288 raised of $2,950

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