Solidarity shops: here's where to find the best ones in Italy

SOLIDARITY SHOPS

The latest arrival is a optical shop Let's "show solidarity" in Figino, on the western outskirts of Milan, within the Borgo Sostenibile neighborhood, where people in need can purchase any product in the sector, even branded ones (as long as they are made in Italy) at a truly bargain price, almost free.

Shops, boutiques, small supermarkets. They are the solidarity shops, spread throughout Italy under different names and with different operating methods: but all with the same obiettivo to help people and families in difficulty. Allowing spending and purchasing at no cost.

ALSO READ: The "L'ApertaMente" association's project to fight waste and help those in need.

SOLIDARITY STORE

But let's see the map of the best solidarity shops in Italy.

No Coins in Orvieto. It's a true solidarity emporium, where you can buy any item, from clothes to appliances, from furniture to household tools, without paying a single euro. Without money, in fact. The exchange takes place after each item is appraised and you sign up to the Senza Monete association, which already has 1.500 members. Mothers are at the forefront.
I live here a Roma. A solidarity boutique that helps those in need. Anyone can donate clothes they no longer wear. Once sold, the proceeds go to fund courses for immigrants and refugees who wish to pursue tailoring. The fight against waste thus expands, moving from material goods to the most vulnerable, who have the opportunity to learn a trade, start a business, and integrate into our communities.
Re-Use For Good in Bologna. Here, families referred by social services, hospitals, or shelters can shop free of charge. What's more, the boutique also has a workshop where items, clothing, and toys that aren't in tip-top condition are repaired. Anyone can donate; just visit the boutique between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on opening days.

TO KNOW MORE: Stop wasting medicines, here's how to donate them to help others

Re-Chic in Milan. "Ri" stands for recycling, reuse, and saving. In this little shop, anyone can donate items they no longer use but don't want to throw away because they're in good condition. The proceeds from sales are then donated to support various humanitarian projects. The goal is also to create job opportunities.
Handrail in Bolzano. This unique shop is based on the recovery and reuse of objects. No money is required to shop: anyone can drop off or bring home any type of item, from clothing to household items or even appliances. Passamano is also spreading throughout Italy: Caserta and Milan have already joined the project.
Camilla in Bologna. A self-managed grocery store run by its customers. Everyone volunteers their time for specific tasks, in exchange for each being given an average of €160 in groceries per month.

TO KNOW MORE: A retired surgeon and his team are providing free healthcare for the poor in Bari.

Share in Naples. After Milan, Lecco, and Varese, "Share" has opened in Naples, a store selling used clothing and accessories with the aim of creating new jobs. In this boutique, some of the people hired to "restore clothes" have difficult backgrounds. They are former drug addicts and ex-convicts. For shop assistants, priority is given to people who have been unemployed for many years.
Wabi Sabi in Pallanza. A free shop for secondhand items. Wabi Sabi offers an alternative to the consumerist system, aiming to reduce waste and give new dignity to used objects. It also creates a social network for the exchange and sharing of culture and knowledge.
I don't shop in Preganziol. The key words: feel free to bring and take everyday items in good condition. Clothing, books, small appliances, utensils, dishes, children's accessories—everything is appreciated here. The goal of this initiative is to encourage reflection on recycling, saving, and respecting the environment we live in.

READ HERE: The school canteen that, by avoiding waste, feeds sixty families in difficulty

Charity Shop in Benevento. This shop was born from a collaboration between Caritas Benevento, the Italian Red Cross - Benevento Committee, and the "Sale della Terra" Consortium. Here, you can exchange clothes to encourage reuse, donate clothes to families in need, and exchange books. At the same time, it's a truly traditional shop selling agricultural products, artisanal goods, and tour packages.
The Solidarity Shop in Sondrio. This cooperative is made up of about 30 volunteers. Their goal is to promote, through their work, the dignity and role of women within Bangladeshi society. This activity features handcrafted products from Bangladeshi artisan groups.
Online Market in Fasano and Francavilla Fontana. Two stores where families in need can purchase food, household items, and personal hygiene products free of charge. In 2017, 400 people received over a ton of basic necessities, and another store opening is planned for this year in Cisternino. The stores are open up to two afternoons a week, with volunteer cashiers and clerks offering advice on how to optimize their shopping.

TO FIND OUT MORE:Solidarity and sustainability bring the 'Akrat officine' furniture line to life (photos and video)

SoliDando in Milan. It's a charity shop located at Via Calatafimi 10, open Mondays from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, and Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Families in need receive a monthly card worth €200, which they use to pay for their purchases at the checkout and earn points. The card is valid for three months but can be renewed. Beneficiaries include immigrants, separated spouses, and families struggling to make ends meet.
Ark at Monte di Procida. Looking at it, it looks like a real supermarket. With groceries, household products, and basic necessities, well-stocked on the shelves. And yet, at the Arca Solidarity Emporium in Monte di Procida, about fifty local families can shop without spending a cent. For free. They have a loyalty card, which they use to pay for the products managed by the La Casetta association. In exchange, they are available for housework, childcare, or even volunteer time.
Let's meet in solidarity in Figino (Milan). The store stocks glasses and all related accessories, sold at deeply discounted prices based on the last four ISEE income brackets. Michele De Bortoli, president of the social cooperative "Vediamoci Solidali," which manages the store, explains: "Our goal is not only to help the poorest, but also to alleviate the burden of not having enough money to buy such important items. Do you want a pair of glasses, even a top-brand one, but can't afford them? We'll help you choose what you want, what's useful, and what you like. Just like any other customer with a full wallet."
The Almond Tree in Lecce is a social market that was born from Il Mandorlo cooperativeIt offers wood, paper, and cardboard products, made from recycled waste materials by artisans trained by the cooperative's master craftsmen. It also sells donated items and has a 500-square-meter supermarket to distribute groceries to poor families in the area.
The Solidarity Boutique in Cefalù specializes in the recovery and donation of women's clothing and garments. For all ages and sizes.
The Charity Shop in Sesto San Giovanni is a small shopping center run by the Red Cross. Donated clothing and gifts can be picked up here in exchange for a voluntary donation.
The solidarity shop in San Cataldo, specializing in clothing and accessories for women, men, and children, is funded by local donations. It also features dressing rooms and mirrors for fitting. There's no charge to pick up your chosen products.

HOW TO REALLY HELP THE POOR:

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