Door to door, Leiria Unida brings help, listening, and care

The Leiria Unida project has been distributing essential goods kits to villages in the municipality. Volunteers go door to door, delivering food and offering attention, as it's not just roofs that need repair. Friday marked the first day Leiria Unida reached Monte Redondo, following a week in the União de Freguesias das Colmeias and Memória. The initiative is promoted by the Asteriscos association, in collaboration with the Lobos de Leiria and ADCCMI clubs. Filipa Sapinho, coordinating the on-ground work, is busy preparing essential goods kits for distribution by volunteer teams, each with a list of homes to visit, identified by the local council. Ricardo Henriques, a volunteer since day one, explains that the kits serve as an icebreaker, allowing people to open up about their needs, which often include simply being heard and receiving a bit of care. The project also addresses psychological support, with free consultations available. Raul Testa, president of Asteriscos, noted the severe need in the area, prompting the project to compile data on each case for future assistance. Volunteers have encountered deep poverty and situations where people have not been visited for days. The project aims to provide ongoing support and has involved around 100 volunteers from across the country, highlighting the importance of human connection in times of crisis.