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Weekly meals for elderly neighbors in Pune

The the Thursday Table pantry in Pune is running low just as demand rises; $550 will stock it for 12 weeks.

🇮🇳 India1,987 views
Darshan T. Shinde
Email verified
Pune
Since 2023, our volunteer team has run the Thursday Table every Tuesday from the back of a community center. We started with 15 families, and now we feed 189 each week. Donations have dropped by about 33% this rainy season, while the line has grown every single week. We rely on volunteers - 20 of us - and keep no salaries or overhead. I buy staples at wholesale prices at the Pune market and keep every receipt. Each $5 feeds a family of four for a week. I'll post the weekly shopping receipts and a photo of the shelves each Sunday. Where the $550 goes: • Rice, beans, flour and oil (wholesale): $260 • Fresh vegetables and fruit: $210 • Baby formula and diapers: $45 • Refrigeration and electricity: $35 Please ask me anything in the questions section. I'll answer honestly and quickly. - Darshan

Updates from Darshan

  1. Thank you all. We're at 22% now ($123). I'm honestly stunned. the first invoice got paid this week. - Darshan

  2. Thank you all. We're at 22% now ($123). I'm honestly stunned. the first invoice got paid this week.

  3. Update from Pune: I made the first payment toward refrigeration and electricity. We're at 14% of the goal. Thank you for believing in us.

  • Anonymous 🇺🇬 · $20

    “Thinking of you. Thought of Darshan all day after reading this.”

  • Courtney S. Carroll 🇺🇸 · $10

    “Hope it all works out. Only $10 but hope it helps. - Bronx”

  • Anonymous 🇲🇽 · $22.50

    “Good luck. Hope you get the rest soon. - Oaxaca de Juárez”

  • Anonymous 🇲🇽 · $20
  • Eli B. Robertson 🇺🇸 · $25
  • Scarlett A. Harper 🇺🇸 · $63

    “Wishing you the best. Hope the March deadline works out. - Peoria”

  • Sathi Ruma Haque 🇮🇳 · $15

    “Good luck. Saw your post and had to give. - Siliguri”

Reviews

3.1(10 reviews)

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

  • Cris F. Quizon🇵🇭Verified donor
    Honest and trustworthy

    I was nervous about reaching out, but this person made me feel comfortable and supported from the very first interaction. Their help was invaluable.

  • Mwangi Mussa Mwangi🇰🇪Verified donor
    Amazing support system

    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.

  • Fatima Reem Ismail🇪🇬Verified donor
    Exceptional service

    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.

  • Timur Denis Bondar🇷🇺Verified donor
    Made a real difference

    I was skeptical at first, but this person proved to be reliable and genuinely interested in helping. Their response time was incredible and their solutions were practical.

  • Lorena Natália Gonçalves🇧🇷Verified donor
    Reliable and compassionate

    I was skeptical at first, but this person proved to be reliable and genuinely interested in helping. Their response time was incredible and their solutions were practical.

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    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.

  • Zoey Munoz🇺🇸Verified donor
    Restored my faith in humanity

    I was nervous about reaching out, but this person made me feel comfortable and supported from the very first interaction. Their help was invaluable.

  • Daniel Gonzales🇦🇺Verified donor
    Genuine person with a big heart

    This is what community support looks like. They didn't just offer generic advice; they provided personalized help tailored to my specific situation.

  • Fitri Rahayu Purnomo🇮🇩Verified donor
    Delivered on promises

    I was going through a tough time and this person's support was invaluable. They didn't judge, just helped. That kind of genuine compassion is rare these days.

  • Andreea Laura Toma🇷🇴Verified helper
    Quick response, great follow-up

    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.

Questions & comments

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  • how is Darshan doing now?

    • Hang in there. More neighborhoods should do this. Greetings from Kumasi

      • Wishing you peace, Darshan. Shared this with my family. I went through something like this 5 years ago and strangers helped me out. Greetings from Addis Ababa.

        • Eunice AbdulQuestion

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

          • The list at the bottom is the whole picture. rice, beans, flour and oil (wholesale) is the biggest at $260. It helps to be asked.

        • Hope things get better soon. Great idea, hope you get there. I hope March is when things finally get easier. God bless

          • Thinking of you and your family, Darshan. I've been in a tough spot myself and it does get easier. Greetings from Marseille

            • Praying for you. Everyone deserves a bit of help sometimes. Please keep us posted. Thinking of Pune!

              • you're not alone. Gave what I could, wish it was more. My late mom used to say help given quietly counts double. Greetings from Augsburg.

                • Thinking of you and your family, Darshan. I've been in a tough spot myself and it does get easier. Take care

                  $175.50 raised of $550

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