In the last days of the twelfth lunar month, from the old city of Lang Son, we followed the "Lighting Up Hope" Club on a bus loaded with New Year's gifts, traveling over 100 km along winding mountain roads to reach Tan Tri commune. Despite the long distance, steep slopes, and the biting cold of the year-end, the club members remained enthusiastic and determined, as if carrying the warmth and spirit of spring to the people in this disadvantaged area.
At the bottom of the small slope leading to Tan Tri Primary School, people had been waiting since early morning, their eyes filled with anticipation. Some elderly people, leaning on canes, arrived at dawn; some children nestled against their mothers' shoulders, their clear eyes following each approaching vehicle. There was no noise or commotion, just a simple yet warm wait, reflecting the sincere feelings of those who bestowed gifts for the Lunar New Year.
At the school grounds, the "Compassionate Tet - Loving Spring" program in 2026 was organized by the club in a simple yet heartwarming manner. The club donated over 130 gift packages to disadvantaged households, severely wounded veterans, and underprivileged students who have overcome difficulties. The gifts were handed out personally, accompanied by sincere words of encouragement.
In addition, a "Zero-Cost Market" was set up right in the schoolyard, where people could personally choose the warm clothes and blankets they needed for their families. There was no shame, no distance, only gentle smiles and tearful eyes when they received timely care.
Holding a bag of gifts in her hands, Mrs. Trinh Thi Vinh (born in 1956), from Yen My village, Tan Tri commune, was moved: "My family is poor, and life is difficult, so we only want a simple Tet celebration. Receiving this gift makes me very happy because it's a timely encouragement. What touches me most is the care and sharing of the members of the delegation who traveled a long distance to help our people."
Besides providing material support, the club also focuses on improving the spiritual well-being of the local people during the Lunar New Year season. The members themselves prepared musical performances in the schoolyard, their singing blending with enthusiastic applause, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
The club members also personally prepared a "Meal of Love" with dishes full of traditional Tet flavors for everyone to gather and enjoy. As night fell, everyone lit a bonfire, the flickering flames illuminating the small courtyard.
In the warm glow of the firelight, everyone sang and danced together. Hands clasped tightly, strengthening bonds of affection, so that spring would arrive not only with vibrant colors but also with the connection of hearts.
Sharing about this activity, Mr. Nguyen Khac Xuan, Chairman of the "Lighting Up Hope" Club, said: "The 'Compassionate Tet' program is maintained annually by the club every spring. Our wish is not only to provide gifts and support but also to bring joy and encouragement to people before the New Year. Besides preparing gifts, the club always focuses on organizing cultural activities and exchanges so that everyone can truly feel the warm and meaningful atmosphere of Tet."
To ensure the program was well-planned, the club began preparations months in advance. Club members collaborated with local authorities to thoroughly review disadvantaged households, ensuring that support reached the right people with the right needs.
Alongside this, the club actively mobilizes resources both within and outside the club. Thanks to contributions from members and the support of philanthropists and businesses, since 2024 alone, the club has raised over 700 million VND to organize the "Tet of Compassion" program, distributing hundreds of gifts to disadvantaged households, underprivileged students, and patients.
Each gift distributed is the culmination of many hearts beating in unison for the community. What is commendable about the club's approach is not only its systematic and transparent methods but also its concern for the spiritual well-being of the people.
Commenting on the club, Ms. Tran Thi Phuong Trinh, Vice President in charge of the Provincial Red Cross Society, said: "As a club directly under the society, the 'Lighting Up Hope' Club always proactively develops plans to care for the poor during Tet (Lunar New Year), coordinating the identification of eligible recipients and organizing many meaningful activities. Through this, it contributes to spreading the spirit of compassion, helping disadvantaged households have a warm and fulfilling Tet, and giving them more faith in life."
Giving a gift and receiving a smile in return – that's the simple yet precious happiness that the "Lighting Up Hope" Club has achieved over the years. Each Tet gift handed out not only addresses temporary needs but, more importantly, ignites the flame of kindness and faith in the good in society. The "Compassionate Tet" journey will continue, silently gathering love to weave springs without distance across the remote areas of Lang Son.
Source: https://baolangson.vn/gop-hoi-am-xuan-ve-vung-kho-5077372.html
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