Content creator Tuny López, from Santiago de Cuba, shared a testimony that highlights an increasingly visible reality in Cuba: the rise of extreme poverty and the need for religious or private initiatives to provide what the state does not guarantee.
On her Instagram account, López revealed that her Christmas was dedicated to community service, as she volunteered for a lunch for those in need at the Church of San Francisco, organized by the Sant'Egidio community (a Catholic organization whose fundamental references are prayer, the poor, and peace).
"I hope you had a lovely Christmas; mine was spent helping others, which is one of life's pleasures," the young woman wrote alongside a video in which she documented her day of solidarity.
In his account, he explained that more than five hundred vulnerable individuals received food and care during an event characterized by organization and respect.
López described how the volunteers were assigned to specific areas and tasks.
She was initially responsible for setting the table and later for serving the caldosa, which was served as the first course for the attendees.
The demand was so high that it became necessary to serve several rounds of food, create new spaces within the temple, and even use the church pews to accommodate everyone present.
According to what he said, the gathering was accompanied by music and cultural activities, but most importantly, it was characterized by a human atmosphere that prioritized dignity and respectful interaction.
"This was a gala day, and everyone had to look their best. Many of my fellow volunteers helped with painting, peeling, and making everyone look great," she specified.
The influencer outlined that one of the basic rules was for each volunteer to act with patience and sensitivity.
"It was an atmosphere of pure love, without discriminating against or mistreating anyone," he emphasized.
After finishing her shift, she sat down to talk with some elderly women who, clearly emotional, thanked her for the way they were treated. "I just wanted to cry," Tuny confessed.
Community of San Egidio: a consistent and organized solidarity effort
The Community of San Egidio welcomes the poor from the city of Santiago de Cuba every year to celebrate Christmas lunch. The idea is to share not only a meal but also friendship.
"Where no one is excluded, but welcomed. Because we don't want anyone to be left alone," said the group on Facebook.
"This year we know that there are special reasons why many cannot have a dignified Christmas, which is why we want to invite all the poor to not be alone; there is a place for you," he added in another post.
According to the Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba, over 700 people attended the celebration this year.
There are more and more poor people in Cuba
Beyond the gesture of solidarity, the testimony of Tuny López and the Catholic Church reveals a structural problem that is worsening on the Island.
The rise in the number of people living on the streets and the inability of thousands of families to afford a special meal during festive occasions are a direct consequence of a prolonged economic crisis, marked by inflation, shortages, and insufficient wages and pensions.
In this context, it is private businesses, churches, and ordinary citizens who are taking on a role that should correspond to the state: ensuring minimum conditions for food and social protection.
During the last Christmas Eve, similar initiatives multiplied in Havana.
Restaurants, artists, and entrepreneurs distributed hundreds of food portions to neighbors and passersby, aware that without this support, many would have spent the holiday without a hot meal.
These actions, while valuable and moving, also highlight the absence of effective public policies and the lack of a system that truly protects the most vulnerable sectors of society.
In a country where begging is on the rise and Christmas has become an unattainable luxury for a considerable part of the population, these actions not only reflect solidarity but also serve as an implicit indictment: if it weren't for the efforts of citizens and independent organizations, hundreds of Cubans would have nothing to eat even on one of the most significant dates of the calendar.
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