Gota de Leche, Social welfare building in Lota, Chile
Gota de Leche is a building in neocolonial style with decorative elements on floors and walls, designed by architect Hernán Vega Pérez in 1928 in Lota Alto. The facility offered free milk and reduced-cost baby bottles to families in need.
The facility was founded by philanthropist Isidora Goyenechea to support coal miners' children and combat malnutrition and infant mortality in the region. This project arose from the mining community's need for social assistance.
The interior displays patterned tiles made at the Lota Green factory by local mining families, showing the community's craftsmanship in every room. These materials came directly from the hands of people who lived and worked in the region.
The location sits between Hospital and San Matías Parish in Lota Alto and is easy to reach on foot. Visitors should come during daytime hours to fully see the decorative details and building condition.
The facility was the first independent institution not affiliated with the National Children's Foundation, setting a new path for child welfare in Chile. This made it a pioneer in creating local, community-driven solutions.
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