Walls of Kindness - Don't Waste

The " Walls of Kindness" ( divar-e mehrabani in Persian ) originated in Iran, where social injustice and discrimination (especially against women) are rife. It is a genuine movement, starting in the city of Mashhad , in northeastern Iran, and then spreading like wildfire throughout the country.

It works like this: A brightly colored sign is painted on a public wall that reads: "If you need it, take it; if you don't, leave it." Hooks or shelves are hung below the sign where people can leave clothes, shoes, food, or household items. Anyone in need can take what they need , remaining anonymous and avoiding unnecessary bureaucratic procedures.

From Iran to Italy. There are several Walls of Kindness in our country too.

Wall of Kindness in Milan

A wall of kindness has also landed in Milan, behind the Monumental Cemetery, with excellent feedback from local residents, who have filled it with warm clothing, coats, shoes, as well as books and essential items to cope with the cold weather emergency. All items are available 24/24.

The Milanese wall on Via Luigi Nono, set up and managed by a unique organization, Il Tempio del futuro perduto, which brings together various solidarity and cooperation organizations within a former factory. The space's staff assure those who come in need that, along with clothes and books, they can also pick up smiles and hugs.

Walls of Kindness Iran — Wall of Kindness Milan - Image from Sky Tg24 // photo credits: Sky Tg24

Wall of Kindness in Trento

The Wall of Kindness in Piazza Fiera, Trento, resembles a giant closet, where anyone can leave their unwanted winter clothes. The project, spearheaded by the municipal Youth Policies Office, combines art and solidarity: the Wall was decorated with a mural by artist Senka Semak depicting a corridor in space, along which white balloons float, carrying various items of clothing. This symbolism is fitting, as the balloon, due to its lightness and ability to float with the current, perfectly represents the concept of giving without receiving.

Wall of Kindness in Pistoia

A space where you can take coats and scarves to protect yourself from the cold: it is the Wall of Kindness of Pistoia, promoted by the youth of theMarco Mungai Fund Association which covered the costs of setting up the space created in the San Giorgio Library.

Wall of Kindness in Cerreto Sannita

The walls of solidarity have also arrived in Campania, Cerreto Sannita, thanks to Caritas and the local diocese, whose walls house coats, down jackets and winter clothes to protect people from the long winter.

walls kindness Iranians used clothes help poor — Wall of Kindness, Desio. Photo taken from the Facebook page of the Desio Città Aperta association.

Wall of Kindness in Bari

The Wall of Kindness has also arrived in the Apulian capital, where anyone can leave or take clothes or blankets. The space is managed by the volunteer association InConTra and is located in Balenzano Square, where in the evening dinner is also served to those living on the streets.

Wall of Kindness in Foggia

In Foggia, near the parish of San Paolo Apostolo (Piazza Giovanni XXIII), there is a wall with shelves and hooks for clothes to be dropped off and picked up.

Wall of Kindness in Catania

In Catania, on Corso Sicilia, at the corner of Piazza della Repubblica, there's a Kindness Wall where you can leave hats, gloves, scarves, and coats, as long as they're in good condition.

walls of kindness — *Photo credits: Latina Today*

(Photo credits for the cover image: I Press/Image sources accompanying the text: Twitter – Instagram – Facebook unless otherwise indicated)

Walls of Kindness: where coats, clothes, blankets are left and those in need can take them