Sant’Edigio’s Christmas Solidarity Lunch: How to Help

A Christmas Solidarity Lunch is being organized by the community of Sant’Egidio, all to provide a festive meal to those struggling during the holiday season as part of an annual tradition. This event, thanks to the implementation of vaccinations and health regulations, is being  held once again after a pause in 2020. The lunch will be set up for December 25 from 12 to 2:30 pm under a large heated tent with spaced seats in Piazza Santissima Annunziata. Preparations will begin in the square of the event on December 23;  anyone can help by offering food as well as detergents, hygiene products and clothing.

Locations that are accepting goods include Via della Pergola 8, accessible every Thursday and Saturday from 5 to 7 pm; San Frediano Help Center on Via dei Serragli 117/r, on Thursdays from 4:30 to 6 pm and Saturdays from 5 to 7 pm; as well as Corte dei Manetti 8 near Peretola airport on Thursdays from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. Donations can also be made at Ponte di Mezzo, but contact needs to be made to set up an appointment for dropping off groceries and supplies, either by emailing santegidio_firenze@hotmail.com or by calling 055 234 2712. 

Another way to help make a difference is by giving a donation or volunteering to help those in need through other charities. These organizations in Italy include the Italian Red Cross, offering health services throughout the country; the Artemisia Centro Violenza, offering free assistance to women who are facing violence or who have faced violence in childhood; La Ronda delle Carità e Solidarietà, who provide food, drinks, clothing and blankets to those living in poverty or on the streets; and Nuovo Rinascimento ONLUS, who deliver groceries, medicine and meals for those in need. (nelson matos)

To read more in Italian, visit Florence’s La Repubblica news site.