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CHIARA! / DO SOME GOOD!

DO SOME GOOD!

COLD WEATHER IS COMING: WHERE CAN WE TAKE THAT BLANKET?

· Published · 2 minute read

An agreed delivery, the right contact and a need listened to. How a collection becomes useful help.

Folded blankets: preparing an agreed donation.

A clean blanket, two good jackets and a wish to help. Before filling more bags, choose where they will go. “Do you need these? Where and when can I deliver them?” One call can save organisers considerable effort.

Agree first

Ask whether blankets or sleeping bags are needed, which clothing sizes and conditions, and where to deliver. Make a list, wash and dry washable items, check zips and seams. Collecting with friends? Decide who delivers: help must reach its destination.

Where to begin

Sant’Egidio’s Dove guides list places to eat, sleep and wash in cities including Rome, Naples and Bologna. Check a service is actually open before accompanying someone.

The Red Cross has outreach units distributing goods and listening, plus social-support desks directing people to services. Contact your local committee to offer time or materials. With Caritas, find the nearest listening centre and explain whether you wish to donate, seek accommodation or accompany someone. City Angels also provides street assistance and accommodation: ask headquarters for your city’s contact and agree a delivery. These contacts are not emergency numbers.

A Milan address worth knowing

Centro Sammartini, at via Sammartini 120 in Milan, directs adults in serious difficulty to support services. Call the municipal contact +39 02 88447647 to confirm opening hours and ask for information. Official pages list differing hours, so check before accompanying someone.

Time needs organising, too

Want to volunteer? City Angels, for example, requires an interview, a training course with an examination and a fixed weekly commitment. Read requirements before applying.

The coat you no longer need

You move it from one hanger to another every time the season changes. It is still in good condition, but you have not worn it for years. For someone who spends their days in the cold, it could be just what is missing.

Before putting it back at the bottom of your wardrobe, ask a collection centre whether it is needed. Check the pockets, have it cleaned and make sure the buttons and zip work. Then take it there: ready to wear, just as you would want to receive it.

Come diventare City Angel — Mario Furlan
Source: City Angels ↗

SOURCES AND FURTHER READING

Photo credits

ONE MORE STORY?

A phone Nokia 3310, photographed on 27 June 2017. A visual call to the gesture of calling a person.
TO DISCOVER

“CALL ME IF YOU NEED ANYTHING.” WHAT IF WE CALLED FIRST?

We say it with affection. But those in difficulty may not have the energy to organize our help as well. We can take a more precise step.

Alimenti e scatole nell’area di smistamento del Capital Area Food Bank di Washington, 30 march 2016.
TO DISCOVER

YOU HELPED SOMEONE. DID THEIR FACE NEED TO BE IN THE POST TOO?

A post can launch a collection or find new volunteers. But the person receiving help must remain central, even when they choose not to be seen.

Packaged food donated to a food bank
TO DISCOVER

A little extra shopping for someone who needs it

On 14 November, add a little kindness to your shopping list. Here is what to donate, how to take part and where to register to lend a hand.