Hiroko Nishimura's Annual Fundraiser

Thank you for checking out my annual fundraiser! This year, I want to raise money for Columbia Community Care, and would LOVE your help in spreading the word and collecting funds.

$20,000 Fundraising Goal

$1000

Daily Updates

$1,000 of $20,000 Goal (11/1)

Thanksgiving 2026 Food Drive

For month of November, I want to raise $20,000 for Columbia Community Care, a local community-run food pantry servicing hundreds of families every week in Howard County, Maryland.I will attempt to update the values daily, and will begin the fundraiser with a $1,000 donation!Both my husband and I grew up in this beautiful county, and we made the deliberate decision to raise our children here. Giving back to the community that raised us, and will nurture our children, is something that is very important to us.I have been volunteering at this food pantry and donating for over a year now, and believe their work in helping to provide food is extremely vital to the well-being of our community.

Columbia Community Care (Food Pantry)

Columbia Community Care is a community-run Maryland based hunger relief organization. They operate local food distribution sites and grocery delivery services that provide access to pantry staples, fresh produce, and household essentials without barriers.CCC food pantries are open to any person who requests help, no questions asked. They serve people of all ages and backgrounds, and their grocery delivery service reaches those who are unable to visit an in-person distribution center.Learn about CCC's history that began with a Facebook post from a public school teacher and mom who wanted to make a difference for kids during COVID lock-down: CCC's History.

Columbia Community Care

Food Pantry routinely running on empty this year...

We are experiencing a Double Whammy from the recent surge in demand, coupled with the cost of living increases, leading to decrease in donations. We are seeing the empty shelves a lot this year.

Why Columbia Community Care Matters

Howard County, Maryland faces a hidden hunger crisis that is often overlooked because of the county’s reputation for affluence (according to the U.S. Census Bureau, Howard County, Maryland's median household income is $149,763).

  • According to United for ALICE’s 2024 data, 29% of Howard County households live within the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed) threshold, meaning they earn above the federal poverty level but cannot afford the basic cost of living, despite working, but also do not qualify for traditional social services.

  • The county’s 2023 Food and Nutrition Security research found that 79% of surveyed under-resourced residents experienced food insecurity.

  • One in five people and one in four children in Howard County are facing food insecurity.

  • These challenges disproportionately affect Black residents and households where English is not the only language spoken.

  • Howard County Library System’s Inequity Within report further documents significant racial disparities across economic, housing, and health outcomes.

Columbia Community Care (CCC) directly addresses these inequities by providing 400–500 families every week with free groceries through three Saturday distribution sites and county-wide grocery delivery.By eliminating ID, income-verification, and application requirements, CCC ensures neighbors can access essential groceries without unnecessary barriers, shame, or judgment.Through community partnerships, hundreds of volunteers, and culturally responsive outreach, CCC fills critical gaps in the county’s food-assistance network and helps families preserve limited resources for housing, utilities, childcare, and other essential needs.

How you can help!

Donations are obviously very appreciated, but a share on social media or with your friends and colleagues can go a long way in supporting CCC and my fundraiser!Some ideas: Does your company do donation matches? Does your organization have unspent $$$ to donate? Do you need some 2026 tax write-offs? 😜

Do you want to contact Columbia Community Care directly for any reason? You can reach them at [email protected].Care to see CCC's 2025 Annual Impact Report?