Solidarity in Agliano: A Closer Look at ‘Le Twelve Baskets’
Well, let me start by saying that if charity is a crime, then let’s book a one-way ticket to Agliano because the folks here are up to some serious mischief! As we all know, life likes to throw a curveball now and then—like finding out your favorite biscuit brand has discontinued your flavor. For about seventy families in Agliano, that curveball is more like a full-blown apocalypse. Yes, folks, the number of families in difficulty is on the rise, but thanks to the generosity of numerous locals, “Le Twelve Baskets” solidarity emporium is here to save the day—cape not included!
What’s the Scoop?
According to the ever-enthusiastic Elisa Puggelli, the contact person for the “Don Tonino Bello” listening center, we have about seventy families that need a helping hand. And we’re not just talking about elderly cats here; these are families who are constantly growing in number, much like my waistline during the holiday season! Since September alone, approximately ten new families have joined the ranks of those seeking assistance. They appear like my shopping habits—consistent and somewhat alarming!
Feeling the Generosity
Now, what could be better than a community coming together to help? Oh right, a community coming together *and* bringing 18 quintals of food! That’s right—during a recent collection day organized by the Coop members’ section, an impressive haul of long-term food products and household essentials was amassed. It’s like a Black Friday event, but instead of fighting over a TV, people are tossing in canned beans and cleaning supplies. Talk about a shopping spree with a conscience!
Empowering with Dignity
The Gonzagas of giving—it’s not just about food; it’s about dignity. Gov. Franco Benesperi, the man in charge of the Misericordia, is passionate about making the shopping experience at the emporium feel just like your good old shopping sprees at any market, minus the queues and dodging that overly aggressive coupon lady. “Our aim is to ensure that those in need can shop without losing a shred of dignity,” he mentions. And you know what? It’s working! The Emporium isn’t just helping families; it’s giving people a bit of their self-worth back. How’s that for a balance of altruism and retail therapy?
A Call for Action
The deeper issue here is that while we might giggle and laugh about the absurdities of life, we’re also beckoned to consider the mounting sorrows faced by many. According to Puggelli, it’s not just food insecurity—they’re battling loneliness too! Many families come to the center not only for aid but for a sense of belonging and connection, something we all crave (unless you’re an introvert like me, in which case, pass the chocolate and carry on!).
In Summary
The “Le Twelve Baskets” initiative surely embodies the spirit of solidarity and care that communities are capable of extending. So, if you’re in Agliano, don’t sit idly by; join in on the goodness! Whether it’s donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, it’s a trifecta of goodwill at its finest! Remember, folks, charity isn’t just for Christmas; it’s a year-round endeavor. So let’s give poverty a run for its money and keep those baskets full—because who knows, the next family that walks through those doors could be yours!
The number of families facing economic hardships is on the rise; however, the immense generosity of the local community enables the “Le twelve baskets” solidarity emporium to provide essential assistance. “There are currently around seventy families in Agliano who are under our care at the listening center, and this number is steadily growing,” reports Elisa Puggelli, the liaison officer for the “Don Tonino Bello” listening center at the parish of San Piero. “While some families we’ve assisted in previous years are no longer requiring support, it is disheartening to note that we have welcomed approximately ten new families since September, highlighting the urgent and ongoing need for our services.”
In support of the Emporium, a recent collection day, organized by the Coop members section of Agliana in collaboration with dedicated volunteers from the parish Caritas, the Confraternita di Misericordia, and the Portaperta Association, proved to be very productive. Over 18 quintals of non-perishable food items, in addition to essential household cleaning supplies, baby products, and personal hygiene items, were collected. These donations have been carefully stored in the emporium’s warehouse to meet the increasing demands of the diverse families from Agliano, which include both Italian citizens and newcomers from abroad.
“At the Emporio,” Puggelli explains, “clients are empowered to choose food items, hygiene products, and school supplies for their children independently, thereby preserving their dignity.” She expresses concern over what she identifies as a social emergency—what she terms as ‘new poverty’—that often remains hidden from the public eye but requires urgent attention from the community. “Moreover, many individuals seeking our services are grappling with profound loneliness. A significant number of families come to the Center not only for material assistance but also in search of companionship, support, and guidance through available services,” she concludes.
The governor of the Misericordia, Franco Benesperi, emphasizes the significance of the Solidarity Emporium initiative. “This project was launched more than two years ago as part of the larger ‘Houses of us’ initiative, endorsed by the National Confederation of Misericordie d’Italia, with the aim of providing practical support to families and individuals within our municipality facing tough circumstances.” He elaborates on the dual objectives of this initiative: to uphold personal dignity by ensuring that the experience in the Emporium closely resembles that of shopping in a traditional store, and to effectively address the food insecurity plaguing our most vulnerable populations as well as combat the rise of ‘new poverty.’ “The project has been well-received by the local community, demonstrating that the spirit of solidarity remains alive and well; many continue to respond positively to our calls for assistance.”
The Emporium finds its home in the historic headquarters of the Misericordia, located on Via Matteotti, right next to the Listening Center. It operates on Mondays and Wednesdays, welcoming clients from 4 PM to 7 PM, and continues to be a beacon of hope for those in need within the community.
Piera Salvi
**Interview with Elisa Puggelli, Liaison Officer for the “Don Tonino Bello” Listening Center**
**Interviewer:** Elisa, thank you for joining us today. It’s heartening to hear about the “Le Twelve Baskets” initiative in Agliano. Can you start by telling us a bit about the current state of families needing assistance in the community?
**Elisa Puggelli:** Absolutely! Currently, we support around seventy families through the listening center, a number that is not only significant but also increasing. Since September alone, we’ve seen about ten new families reach out for assistance, which is quite alarming. It’s a clear indication that economic hardship is affecting more households in our community.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like a tough situation. How is the local community responding to these needs?
**Elisa Puggelli:** The response has been truly remarkable! During a recent collection day organized by local Coop members, we managed to gather over 18 quintals of non-perishable food items, along with essential cleaning supplies and baby products. This kind of community support is vital for families facing difficulties. It’s great to see everyone coming together to help.
**Interviewer:** That’s impressive! And what unique approach does the “Le Twelve Baskets” emporium take to ensure dignity for those in need?
**Elisa Puggelli:** Our goal at the emporium is to create a shopping experience that makes our clients feel respected and valued. They can select their own food items and essentials, rather than receiving pre-packed bags. This process empowers them and allows them to maintain their dignity while accessing the support they need. It’s about giving them a sense of normalcy and choice.
**Interviewer:** And besides physical needs, what emotional support does the center provide for these families?
**Elisa Puggelli:** That’s a great question! Many families come to our center not just for food but for emotional connection as well. We strive to create a welcoming atmosphere where individuals can feel a sense of belonging and support from the community. It’s crucial, especially during these challenging times, where a sense of isolation can be just as tough as economic hardship.
**Interviewer:** It’s inspiring to hear about the comprehensive approach the center takes. What can community members do to help further this cause?
**Elisa Puggelli:** There are many ways to get involved! Whether it’s donating food, financial support, or your time volunteering, every little bit helps. We encourage everyone to spread the word about our initiatives because raising awareness is just as important as the contributions themselves. Remember, kindness and charity shouldn’t be reserved for the holidays—they’re needed all year round.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Elisa! Your passion for the community and its well-being is truly enlightening. We hope more people will get involved and support this important cause!
**Elisa Puggelli:** Thank you for having me! Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need in Agliano.
