"Operation Kilo" is one of the most deeply rooted initiatives in Spain, the oldest of the schools, and involves the Salesian Family and Youth Ministry. It takes place simultaneously in many locations throughout the country, uniting them with a red thread of solidarity that runs through the entire Spanish Salesian territory.
The collection of food and hygiene products will be destined for institutions such as the "Food Bank", various specific social projects or ecclesiastical bodies, as in the case of the Salesians in Pozoblanco, who will collect non-perishable food in their living crib, which will be donated to Cáritas Pozoblanco to help the most needy families. There will also be a solidarity mailbox for economic donations that will go to the victims of DANA, in Valencia.
In several locations, this action of solidarity is instead called "Sowers of stars". Food and toys are collected and the same young people in schools and youth centres prepare them and bring them to the most needy families and vulnerable people. Other solidarity initiatives are carried out in Granada, where students prepare Christmas baskets to be donated to the most destitute families, and in Ourense, where the Salesian youth centre collaborates with the Diocesan Caritas to give money, food and games.
In many other Salesian houses - such as Cordoba, Montilla, La Cuesta, La Orotava, Seville, Malaga, Palma del Río, Rota, Badalona, Linares and Salamanca - the "Potito" or "Chupete" Operation takes place. This initiative, led by young people and families, aims to help local associations by collecting products for children. To do this, volunteers, usually dressed in identifying bibs, stand in front of the doors of pharmacies or supermarkets, encouraging participation and donations. This is a good example of the Salesian Houses' commitment to the community and a call for solidarity on these special dates.
Also very interesting is the initiative of the Salesians in Barakaldo (Vizcaya), who have set up an exhibition of nativity scenes from all over the world to help a local child, so that the family can face the costs of therapy for the disease he suffers from, lissencephaly.
In the case of the FISAT Foundation, which helps children and young people at risk of exclusion in the Valencian Community and Murcia, thi syear's Christmas campaign brings a special gift. The story "The Gift" wants to encourage us to continue dreaming of a kinder world in which all people have the opportunity to live a just life.
Finally, the "Pinardi BoscoSocial" Federation takes advantage of the Christmas lottery every year to donate one euro of participation in residential projects and carries out a campaign to collect gifts for the most vulnerable boys and girls who participate in its programs. The organisation thanks all those who participate in this action: "We thank all those who bought the Christmas lottery this year, all the tickets have already been sold and the funds raised are for the benefit of Casa Garelli, the reception project of our organisation that provides a home for children and adolescents in vulnerable situations. Casa Garelli also has a project aimed in particular at young refugees and applicants for international protection".
