The ladies of the Bodega de Sorpresas
By Krishna Villena

At the Biblioteca Pública’s Bodega de Sorpresas, not only will you find shoes and clothes, among other secondhand articles, but the story of a group of Mexican women who for years have contributed with their volunteer work to generate income to support the Biblioteca’s scholarship programs for students of San Miguel de Allende and its surrounding areas.

Lolita Perrusquía and Pilar Gómez found a way to give their lives deeper meaning by helping at the Bodega de Sorpresas each week on Wednesdays and Thursdays, starting a long time ago.

When Lolita arrived to San Miguel 19 years ago, she immediately accepted a friend’s invitation to collaborate as a volunteer in the Biblioteca. “I closed a chapter of my very happy life in Mexico City and opened a new one in San Miguel. I consider this city like a piece of paradise on Earth.” Lolita says that although she has problems, like everyone does, she tries to overcome them. “Although I have faults, I do have a quality which I value a lot, and it is that I am a very positive person. This is how I manage to overcome difficulties and move forward.”

Two years ago her husband became seriously ill, and Lolita devoted herself full time to taking care of him. It was very hard for her to overcome his death, but she says, “I decided to keep myself busy and active instead of remaining at home, crying for my sorrow. So, I decided to return to the Bodega.” Currently, she lives with her younger daughter. “She lived in Querétaro and was independent, but an accident brought her back to my side and she is recovering favorably.” Besides her work at the Bodega, Lolita does volunteer work visiting the elderly twice a week.

Pilar Gómez has been a volunteer at the Bodega for 17 years. For her, the most rewarding goal she has achieved is in her work selling books, clothes and shoes to generate income to support the scholarships. “I am convinced that what our country needs for its social and economic development is to make education accessible for all Mexicans.”

As a mother of two sons and a grandmother of two girls and one boy, Pilar plans her activities each week without compromising the days she dedicates to the Biblioteca. “On Thursdays it doesn’t bother me to get up earlier; on the contrary, I do it with great pleasure.”

Since she was very young she learned from her mother the importance of service for those who need it most. “I remember that since I was 15 years old I would visit the old people’s homes, hospitals and even jails.” In addtion to being a volunteer, Pilar helps elderly people who have health problems and need to see the doctor in Querétaro. “My son says that I ought to paint my car with a Red Cross symbol, because I seem like an ambulance… but from the bottom of my heart I must truly admit that I enjoy helping these older people, especially those that are my friends.”

For them, the volunteer week begins on Wednesdays, on those days they help to check the donations, separate the items and label the clothing, having it all ready for the next day. On Thursdays the customers arrive early to find the new merchandise. Lolita explained that each time a new donation arrives, selections are made from the items that are in the best condition and put aside for the special Christmas sale “which represents a significant revenue for the Biblioteca.”

The team of volunteers currently is formed by Lolita Perusquía, Pilar Gómez, Marisa Estrada, Elvira Herrera, Socorrito León, Judith, Margarita Isita, Susana García y Graciela Andrade. “We keep inviting more people to join the cause; it’s never enough, given that at times some cannot come, because they are sick or because they have to leave town,” said Lolita.

The ladies of the Bodega de Sorpresas agree that “volunteering allows you to focus on others and understand that being involved in the mission of service to the Biblioteca means so much to everyone, including ourselves.”



The invaluable presence of volunteers at the Biblioteca Pública

Since its founding by Helen Wale in 1954, the Biblioteca Pública has had the support of volunteers of different nationalities who have helped in countless works to the salaried personnel. Together they have helped build the great success of this institution.

Currently the volunteers respond on a regular basis to help in distinct areas and activities of the Biblioteca including the periodical Atención, the Bodega de Sorpresas, the library, classes for English and other languages, in the theater and on the tour of House and Gardens. Thanks so much volunteers!



The Bodega de Sorpresas in Numbers

The longest time that a person has been a volunteer is 19 years.

The average income each week is 6,000 pesos.

The hours of service each Thursday is from 10:30am to 1pm.

The cheapest item costs 2 pesos.

Currently the team of volunteers is formed by 10 women.

The highest collected sum in a special Christmas sale was 30,000 pesos.