Heartwarming "zero-cost" stall run by blue-shirted volunteers.

Vegetables for free - A smile shared
"Zero-Cost Market" warms the hearts of the poor.
"Zero-Cost Tet Market" - Warming the hearts of the poor.

The "Zero-Cost" stall of the Ca Mau Community College Student Union started operating on March 18th at 3/2 Street, Ward 6, Ca Mau City, offering a variety of practical items. Fresh fruits and vegetables donated by benefactors were washed and arranged neatly on plastic mats by the young people. Next to them were clothes racks of various sizes. Behind them were wooden tables displaying milk, cooking oil, sugar, and other goods. All of this is the result of the efforts of the student union members, youth, and teachers of the college over the past several months.

The "0-Dong" (free) stall of the Ca Mau Community College Student Union quickly attracted many manual laborers and people in difficult circumstances. Each person only took just enough vegetables and fruits to leave some for those who came later. In addition, they also chose a few sets of clothes with the help of the student union members to take home for their relatives. Others received vouchers from ward officials to get milk and sugar. Those who hadn't registered with the ward still received support gifts upon arrival. Smiles mixed with tears of happiness made the "0-Dong" stall even warmer.

Each gift was prepared in advance and handed directly to the workers.

Mr. Tran Huy Hoang, a motorbike taxi driver residing in Ward 6, Ca Mau City, said: “A friend who also works as a motorbike taxi driver told me about this stall, so I brought along Ms. Tam, the lottery ticket seller, to ask for some food to help with our daily meals. I'm over 60 years old this year, and I only have one son who works far away and isn't well-off. I don't earn much money driving my motorbike, so I and other people in similar situations are very happy to have this stall.”

Nearly 70 years old this year, Mrs. Nguyen Thu Tam (residing in Ward 7, Ca Mau City) earns a living selling lottery tickets. She shared: “Everything is expensive these days. These young people are encouraging us laborers to come here to choose vegetables to cook and improve our meals. They even enthusiastically helped me choose clothes, asking if I have children or grandchildren so they could select a few more outfits. Seeing such new and beautiful clothes, my grandchildren must be very happy.”

On every holiday or weekend, the stall is open and welcomes those in need with a warm smile. Vegetables, fruits, clothes, and other necessities are donated by benefactors from near and far. Some other essential items are sourced from businesses through the school's student union.

From early morning, the youth union members carefully arranged the vegetables and fruits to welcome the guests.

Ms. Vo Tuyet Ngan, Secretary of the school's Youth Union, shared: "Thanks to the volunteer efforts of the Youth Union members and the support of businesses and philanthropists, the '0-Dong' stall was created. This is a place to share love; we hope to share some of the difficulties with workers and those in difficult circumstances, bringing joy, hope, and motivation to their lives."

In front of Ca Mau Community College, members of the Ca Mau Provincial Youth Union also set up a "Zero-Cost Booth" during the Lunar New Year of the Year of the Snake 2025. The booth included many essential goods and clothing for low-income workers, poor households, and near-poor households.

Volunteers help select clothes for customers visiting the booth.

Ms. Ho Quy Nhi, Head of the Youth and School Affairs Department, shared that the "zero-cost" stalls are the result of the dedicated efforts of the youth union members. Wearing their green volunteer uniforms, they understand their responsibility to society and realize it through concrete and meaningful actions. Many went directly to shops and businesses to solicit donations of milk cartons, vegetables, and other items for the stalls. The joy of the workers visiting the stalls is the motivation that drives them to strive harder every day.

Lam Khanh

Source: https://baocamau.vn/am-ap-gian-hang-0-dong-cua-ao-xanh-tinh-nguyen-a38197.html