ASTRO

ASTRO Trieste, the Triestine Hospital Association for Children’s Smiles, is a volunteer organization active since 1999. It works to ease the experience of illness and hospitalization for children and their families, helping make healthcare settings feel more welcoming and less distressing. Its volunteers offer hospitalized children companionship, practical help, affection, play and attentive listening, bringing moments of comfort and joy during a difficult time. The association has around 100 volunteers and invites new people to contribute their time through its volunteer program.

ASTRO also provides direct financial support to families of hospitalized patients. Since 2019, donations have helped fund concrete assistance for families facing the challenges of a child’s illness. Supporters can contribute through direct donations, Italy’s 5 per mille tax allocation, and initiatives such as Coop Alleanza 3.0’s Più Vicini program. Based in Trieste, ASTRO shares news and community activities and relies on volunteers and public support to continue its work for children in hospital and those close to them.