Every Wednesday evening, Italian SSIO members serve food to the homeless at Venice Square in Rome. This practice started five years ago. Working in three groups, they distribute packages containing two rolls of bread, sweet snacks, fruit and juice, paper tissues, and toiletries. Sometimes the volunteers also distribute clothes, shoes, and blankets for protection from cold weather. On average, Sathya Sai volunteers have served 60 to 70 homeless people, year-round. The homeless people hail from Italy and include ethnic minorities. Services are always offered in a friendly atmosphere, emphasising a heart-to-heart connection between the volunteers, who prepare the food with love, and the recipients.