A heartwarming "zero-cost stall" in a rural market.

Before the sun had even dried the morning dew on the forest canopy, the Saturday market in Thuan Hoa commune was already bustling more than usual. In the thin morning mist, the familiar footsteps of the commune's police officers and soldiers quietly appeared – some setting up tables, others hanging clothes, still others arranging bags of essential goods… Without banners or slogans, the "zero-cost stall" simply stood there, warm and welcoming, becoming a place filled with kindness and compassion for the highland people at each market day.

Police officers from Thuan Hoa commune handed out clothes from the "zero-cost clothing stall" to local residents.

Charity Market

Few people know that behind those neat and tidy stalls lie Friday afternoons that last longer than usual. When their professional duties are finished, the officers and soldiers of Thuan Hoa Commune Police gather around the donated items, carefully sorting the clothes, checking each item, and neatly folding each shirt and pair of sandals. Each gift given is not just material, but also a token of respect and heartfelt care, carefully delivered to those in need.

After six months of operation, the "zero-cost stall" is no longer a novelty for the people of Thuan Hoa. The small stall in the corner of the market has become a familiar meeting place, where people can stop by to choose warm clothes and some essential necessities without hesitation or embarrassment. There, givers and receivers meet with sincerity, without distance or discrimination.

Amidst the bustling crowds of the early morning market, Sung Thi Hoa, from Hoa Son village, shyly held a new set of clothes in her hands, her eyes shining with simple joy. For her, this small gift not only eased her family's difficulties but also represented warm encouragement from the police officers – those who are always close to the people, understand the people, and work for the people.

At each "zero-cost" market, 300 to 500 sets of clothing and many other essential items are handed directly to the people. The donations come from a portion of the salaries of the officers and soldiers of Thuan Hoa Commune Police and the contributions of philanthropists from all over the country. Even more commendable, the Thuan Hoa Commune Police force resolutely only accepts in-kind donations, not cash, to ensure transparency, proper purpose, and that the aid reaches the intended recipients.

The effectiveness of the model is measured not only by the quantity of clothes or necessities distributed, but also by the change in people's awareness and attitudes. Mr. Sung Min Chan, from Khau Tra village, said emotionally: "The police officers are very approachable; they not only give gifts but also ask about and encourage the villagers like family."

"Points of contact" in mass mobilization in everyday life.

Beyond simply supporting daily life, the "zero-cost stall" has gradually become a soft yet effective "touchpoint" in the community outreach work of the Thuan Hoa Commune Police force. Through each market session, previously dry propaganda content is cleverly integrated in a natural and relatable way: from fire prevention and control; legal dissemination; encouraging the surrender of weapons and explosives; to assisting people in activating level 2 electronic identification. Right at the "zero-cost stall," commune police officers hand out gifts while simultaneously guiding people on how to use the VNeID application and explaining new legal regulations in simple, straightforward language. The familiar rural market space has become a special propaganda location, where people receive information with trust and goodwill, rather than through commands or imposition.

Major Hoang Van Dong, Deputy Head of Thuan Hoa Commune Police, shared: “The ‘Zero-Cost Booth’ is not only a charitable activity, but also a way for the commune police force to build trust, strengthen close relationships with the people, and promote the ‘three best’ movement (most disciplined, most loyal, closest to the people). When people feel sincerity, all policies and guidelines become easier to understand, remember, and implement.”

Comrade Dang Thi Phuong, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairwoman of the People's Council of Thuan Hoa commune, affirmed: "The fact that the commune police maintain a 'zero-cost stall' demonstrates a sense of responsibility, proactiveness, and closeness to the people. This model not only spreads a positive image of the People's Police officers but also contributes to improving the effectiveness of mass mobilization work, maintaining security and order, and building a solid people's security posture in the locality."

From neatly folded clothes to radiant eyes at the early morning market, the "zero-cost stall" is quietly sowing seeds of kindness amidst the many hardships faced by the people of Thuan Hoa commune in the highlands. There, the image of the commune's police officer is not only present in maintaining security and order, but also as a friend and family member, silently, persistently, and wholeheartedly dedicated to ensuring a peaceful and prosperous life for the people.

Text and photos: Hoang Ngoc

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Source: https://baotuyenquang.com.vn/xa-hoi/202602/am-ap-gian-hang-0-dong-giua-cho-que-6fa4c89/