Community Cupboard

the Cupboard will re-open this afternoon.

it will still be relatively bare.

we do not have regular donations coming in anymore. we rely fully on the kindness of neighbours and donors.

i personally used to spend between 200 - 500/month on this endeavor but in late 2024 my ability to contribute changed due to my funds and time being dedicated to assist my parent in their dementia stage (ongoing). Even at that amount and shopping bargains ... i wasn't personally able to keep up with the need in the area. (i dont think any one person can when the cupboard has some days up to 20 people stop at it).

we are not a legal entity. therefore we do not qualify for any of the NPO or small business grants or fundraising opportunities available. we don't even qualify to access the Community Kitchen (i tried and would have even spent the 100/month personally to participate but we don't qualify)

i do keep trying. but am at the mercy of the community, honestly. without ongoing food provided, the Cupboard sits bare. we will evaluate over summer whether, perhaps, she has run her course.

thank you to everyone who has sent words of support and kindness.

to whomever thought this was funny ...

it took about 45 minutes to clean up.

the food that was also mustard sprayed all got thrown out.

it was food i took from my own cupboards and made from my own ingredients because there hadnt been any donations in weeks. literally weeks. people knocking on my door. i give what i can, but i am running on empty myself.

i am not any better off than anyone else, in fact maybe less better off than many. i had chosen to keep operating the cupboard because i know how much it is needed, though.

and maybe it doesnt seem like a big deal, to stand and hose out mustard. but i'm tired. i have a child severely impacted by autism. i have a parent fading with dementia i help care for 3 days/week as well. i dont have 45 spare minutes in my day. it was my whole free time. spent scraping and spraying off mustard. trashing food i struggled myself to give.

i am sure whomever it was thought it was funny. to spray out a whole new bottle of mustard all over shelves of food.

it wasnt funny.

i am tired.

the cupboard is currently closed due to vandalism and exhaustion.

pasta with meat sauce and parm

nuts/chocolate

and some other bits.

... pasta ready to pick up ...

... baby toys available for someone who needs ...

starting over?

baby growing faster than expected?

bills tight?

have a little bag of joy for free!!

reach out if this might help your family

❤️❤️

vegan items

PM for PROMPT pickup

two very similar hampers

PM for PROMPT pick up

ready to feed enfamil

BEST BEFORE MAY 1

PM to arrange **prompt** pick up

Eid Mubarak

... water and dates ...