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Weekly meals for elderly neighbors in Dortmund

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

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David Köhler
Email verified
Dortmund
Since 2023, our volunteer team has run Open Hands Pantry every Thursday from the back of a community center. We started with 26 families, and now we feed 257 each week. Donations have dropped by about 49% this school holidays, 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 Dortmund market and keep every receipt. Each $45 feeds a family of four for a week. All of the funds go to groceries, fresh produce, and cold-storage costs. Where the $2,450 goes: • Rice, beans, flour and oil (wholesale): $990 • Fresh vegetables and fruit: $670 • Baby formula and diapers: $570 • Refrigeration and electricity: $220 Ask me anything below before you decide. I'd rather you were sure. - David

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2.7(30 reviews)

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  • what exactly is the $2,450 for?

    • David KöhlerOwnerAnswer

      Rice, beans, flour and oil (wholesale) is $990 of it. Everything else is listed in the story and nothing outside that list comes out of this page. Thanks for asking.

  • Thanks for sharing this, David. Gave what I could, wish it was more. Take care.

    • How is David doing now?

      • Praying for you. Shared it with a few friends. My late mom used to say help given quietly counts double. Thinking of Dortmund.

        • Shared this with my family. Love from Nairobi

          • Wishing you peace. I've been in a tough spot myself and it does get easier. We're a small family in Cleveland but we're thinking of you. Thinking of Dortmund.

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