Collecting scrap materials - sharing love.

For many years, models such as "Turning Waste into Money," "Clean Scrap," or "Collecting Scrap for Fundraising" have been effectively maintained by women in the province, becoming a shining example in social welfare activities. Using only beer cans, plastic bottles, and scrap paper, women's association members have created practical resources to support women and children in difficult circumstances, contributing to sowing seeds of kindness and sharing love with vulnerable people in society.

For many years, models such as "Turning Waste into Money," "Clean Scrap," or "Collecting Scrap for Fundraising" have been effectively maintained by women in the province, becoming a shining example in social welfare activities. Using only beer cans, plastic bottles, and scrap paper, women's association members have created practical resources to support women and children in difficult circumstances, contributing to sowing seeds of kindness and sharing love with vulnerable people in society.

Women's association members in Nguyen Van Linh commune donate scrap materials.

On a chilly late November afternoon, while visiting the family of Ms. Hoang Thi Ngai in Thanh Trai village with members of the Thu Tri Women's Association, we were deeply moved by the simple yet heartwarming scene. In her small house, Ms. Ngai greeted us with a gentle smile, her kind eyes reflecting the weariness of her cancer treatment. Small gifts, made from discarded beer cans and scrap paper collected and sold by the women's association to raise funds, have become a source of strength for her during this challenging journey of treatment. Ms. Ngai shared: "I am deeply touched by the care and encouragement from the women. These gifts not only help me cover expenses but also strengthen my faith to persevere in my treatment every day."

The "Scrap Collection for Fundraising" model of the Women's Union of Thu Tri commune currently operates in 14 branches with 95 participating members. Each year, the model collects 15 to 18 million VND to visit and support women and children in difficult circumstances. From July to November 2025 alone, the commune organized 18 scrap collection drives, selling over 13.5 million VND worth of scrap, contributing to the provision of 30 gifts to needy individuals. Ms. Bui Thi Thao, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Thu Tri commune and Chairwoman of the Women's Union of Thu Tri commune, said: "The scrap collection process is carried out regularly every month by the members. Although the work is somewhat arduous, the women are always enthusiastic, considering it both a responsibility and a joy to contribute to the community. Thanks to this unity, the model is becoming increasingly effective, with the amount of scrap collected gradually increasing with each drive."

For Mrs. Dang Thi The, from Yen Phu village, Nguyen Van Linh commune, each weekend is a meaningful journey. She visits each member's family in the village to collect scrap materials. The image of this elderly woman, carrying a small bag and always wearing a gentle smile, has become familiar and warms the hearts of anyone who sees her. Every time she appears, the members happily bring out beer cans, old papers, or small pieces of cardboard to give to her.

Ms. The said emotionally, "Seeing the women collecting these scraps little by little, I feel so grateful. Each small piece of scrap contains a great deal of kindness. Thanks to them, I have more strength to keep trying every day."

The "Clean Scrap" model of the Women's Union of Nguyen Van Linh commune, established in 2017, has been replicated throughout the villages. Each year, members donate clean scrap, helping women in difficult circumstances in the villages with nearly 10 million VND. Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuy from Yen Phu village shared: "We are happy that items we thought would be thrown away have become meaningful gifts, helping members in difficult circumstances stabilize their lives."

The kindness and enthusiasm of the women not only help each other but also foster love within the community. According to Ms. Do Thi Phuc, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Nguyen Van Linh commune and Chairwoman of the Women's Union of Nguyen Van Linh commune: In the coming time, the Union will continue to promote and expand the model to all branches, encouraging more women to participate and maintain regular collection campaigns. At the same time, it will expand the model to other community activities, combining education, environmental protection, and support for women and children in difficult circumstances so that the model not only brings economic benefits but also embodies the spirit of sharing and love.

Scrap collection point of the Women's Union members in Vu Thu commune.

Over the past period, the Provincial Women's Union has directed its branches to establish and implement models such as "Turning Waste into Money," "Clean Scrap," or "Collecting Scrap for Fundraising," tailored to the specific circumstances of each locality, aiming to create a stable source of funding for social welfare activities. To date, 100% of communes and wards have established these models at their branches, attracting thousands of women members. From the funds collected, the women's unions at all levels have additional resources to visit and give gifts to poor women members and vulnerable groups; award scholarships to underprivileged students; and support members in difficult circumstances with loans to develop their businesses.

Thanh Thuy

Source: https://baohungyen.vn/gom-phe-lieu-gop-yeu-thuong-3188333.html