The best charity shops in Italy

In Italy, the term "solidarity shop" refers to various types of initiatives with social goals. These are generally shops, stores, or boutiques run by associations, cooperatives, foundations, or third-sector organizations.

The most common forms are:

• Solidarity stores: small supermarkets where individuals or families in difficulty, usually referred by social services or associations, can obtain food and essential goods for free or through a points system.
• Charity shops / thrift storesThey sell donated clothes, furniture, books, objects, and other items. The proceeds fund social projects.
• Solidarity boutiquesThey offer clothes and other goods for free or at nominal prices to people in need. In some cases, they sell products made by disadvantaged people, prisoners, or those undergoing work inclusion programs.
• Fair trade shops: they sell products purchased from producers or social cooperatives, often with the aim of ensuring fairer compensation and

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

• Without Coins in OrvietoIt'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 evaluated and registration with the Senza Monete association, which already has 1.500 members. Mothers are at the forefront.
• I live here in RomeA solidarity boutique that helps those in need. Anyone can donate clothes they no longer wear. Once sold, the proceeds are used 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 BolognaHere, 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.

• Re-Chic 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 BolzanoThis unique shop is based on the recovery and reuse of objects. No money is required to shop: anyone can drop off or bring home items of any kind, from clothing to household items or even appliances. Passamano is also spreading throughout Italy: Caserta and Milan have already joined the project.
• Camilla in BolognaA general store run by its own customers. Everyone volunteers their time for specific tasks, in exchange for each being given an average of 160 euros in groceries per month.
• 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 PallanzaA 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. Key words: feel free to bring and take everyday objects in good condition. Clothes, 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.

• Charity Shop in BeneventoThis 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 SondrioThis is a cooperative made up of about 30 volunteers. Their goal is to promote, through their work, the dignity and role of women within Bangladeshi society. In this activity, it is possible to find handcrafted products from groups of Bangladeshi artisans.
• Online Market in Fasano and Francavilla FontanaTwo 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.
• SoliDando in MilanIt'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 membership 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 also 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, which are 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 make people feel less burdened by the lack of money for such important items. Do you want a pair of glasses, even from a top brand, but can't afford them? We 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 It's a social market founded by the Il Mandorlo cooperative. It 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.
• Charity shop in Sesto San Giovanni It's 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, it is funded by local donations. It also features dressing rooms and mirrors for fitting. There's no charge to pick up your chosen items.