Casinos del Estado, Uruguay's state-owned casino operator, has distributed more than 500 donated items ahead of schedule after a community collection campaign exceeded expectations.
The "Corazón Celeste" (Blue Heart) solidarity campaign operates across three Casinos del Estado venues in Maldonado. Donations collected at Nogaró are directed to the Ruta 39 shelter, while contributions made at Atlántico Shopping support Mides Maldonado. At Punta Shopping, donations are allocated to the Pancitas Llenas civil association's community kitchen in San Carlos.
The distribution channeled winter clothing, blankets and other cold-weather items to social workers, who are responsible for directing the aid to individuals and families in vulnerable situations across the department. The decision to deliver ahead of the campaign's official close was taken to avoid keeping items in storage while temperatures in the region remain low.
Carlos Cedrés, Casinos del Estado Manager in Maldonado, said: "We felt that a lot had been gathered and that, with these temperatures, waiting until the end of the campaign made no sense. There are people who need warm clothing now, and that is why we decided to deliver it as soon as possible."
He added: "The most important thing is that people know that what they donated is already being used. Every jacket, every blanket and every garment has a concrete destination."
The initiative also includes a participation incentive for donors: individuals who bring items to the collection points receive raffle coupons, with benefits varying according to the type of article donated.
The "Corazón Celeste" campaign remains open at all three venues, with collection continuing until its originally scheduled closing date.
The "Corazón Celeste" campaign was framed around the 2026 FIFA World Cup
