Spreading kindness

For many years, the people of Tan Long hamlet (Hoa Binh commune) have been familiar with the image of a kind-hearted middle-aged woman, riding an old motorbike loaded with vegetables and food, delivering them to charitable vegetarian restaurants or personally handing them out to those in need. That woman is Ms. Le Thi Huu Hanh (born in 1966), Vice Chairwoman of the Women's Association of Tan Long hamlet, who wholeheartedly dedicates herself to charitable activities and spreads the spirit of compassion in the community.

• Ms. Nguyen Thi Hanh: A role model of a successful businesswoman .
• Examples of women who are passionate about serving the community.
• Examples of women who have escaped poverty.

Sharing love from the free kitchen.

Having experienced hardship herself, working as a laborer and construction worker, Ms. Hanh understands very well the difficulties faced by the poor. Now that her children have grown up and life is less difficult, Ms. Hanh wants to contribute and share with those in need around her. Many people need help, and she hopes to alleviate some of their difficulties.

During a visit to her in-laws' family in Ward 8 (formerly Bac Lieu City), Ms. Hanh came up with the idea of ​​cooking vegetarian rice noodles to donate to the poor. With the help of her in-laws, the first batch of charitable vegetarian noodles was started. The image of poor laborers happily receiving the warm, heartfelt boxes of noodles deeply moved Ms. Hanh. From then on, the two women decided to maintain this activity regularly twice a month.

Ms. Le Thi Huu Hanh (far right) and members of the Dieu Hoa free vegetarian meal group prepare bread to donate to the poor.

The philanthropic spirit of the two mothers-in-law quickly spread and touched the hearts of many. From just a few initial members, the volunteer group gradually grew to dozens of members of various ages and professions. Without needing any prompting, each person contributed in their own way: some brought rice, others helped pick vegetables, some distributed food... all with the shared desire to give warm meals to those in need.

Ms. Hanh and the members of the Dieu Hoa free vegetarian meal group cook rice noodles to donate to the poor.

Later, when this kitchen became unusable, Ms. Hanh switched to supporting the Dieu Hoa free vegetarian self-service kitchen near her home. In the beginning, the kitchen only operated twice a week. However, thanks to contributions from the community, the kitchen maintained daily operations, regularly preparing 150-200 free meals. On the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month, the number doubled. Besides distributing meals on-site, members also divided into small groups to deliver meals directly to poor laborers.

Supporting those less fortunate.

Besides her involvement with the Dieu Hoa kitchen, Ms. Hanh also works alongside other members to cook free meals at temples; provides financial assistance for medical treatment to the poor; and donates bottled water and essential supplies to disadvantaged areas both within and outside the province.

As the Vice Head of the Women's Association in Tan Long Hamlet, despite her family's meager income and her own chronic illness, Ms. Hanh remains wholeheartedly dedicated to the Association's work. She is deeply involved in the community, understanding the living conditions of members and residents, and promptly identifying difficult cases to mobilize support. For many years, she has devoted much effort to helping the poor in the hamlet, from mobilizing donations of coffins, rice, and vegetables for funerals, to appealing to benefactors to fund medical expenses, provide gifts, and repair houses for impoverished members... all with the hope of alleviating the hardships of those less fortunate.

Ms. Hanh, along with other benefactors, provided gifts and money to poor patients.

There are certain circumstances that constantly trouble Ms. Hanh, including the family of Mr. Dang Si Thuong (50 years old, Tan Long hamlet). The family is poor, and Mr. Thuong makes a living buying and selling scrap metal. A few years ago, his son, Dang Si Hai, was involved in a traffic accident and lost the ability to live independently. To pay for his son's treatment, Mr. Thuong sold his house and moved in with his two children. The younger child had to drop out of school to stay home and help care for his older brother.

Moved by their plight, Ms. Hanh mobilized benefactors to donate over 10 million VND to help the family overcome this difficult period. Whenever someone donated rice or charitable gifts, she would bring them to share with Mr. Thuong and his son. Deeply moved, Mr. Thuong expressed his profound gratitude to Ms. Hanh, who has always shown dedicated care and support to help his family overcome their difficulties.

Ms. Hanh, along with other benefactors, provided gifts and money to poor patients.

Speaking about Ms. Hanh, Ms. Do Ngoc Han, President of the Women's Union of Hoa Binh commune, commented: "Although she is elderly, Ms. Hanh is very enthusiastic about the work of the Union, especially in the field of social welfare. She is always closely involved with the grassroots, promptly identifying difficult cases to support and help. She is a prime example of volunteer spirit and community responsibility."

For Ms. Hanh, volunteering isn't about recognition or praise; what makes her happy is seeing smiles on the faces of those she has helped. "Even though I'm old and my health isn't what it used to be, I'll keep giving as much love as I can," Ms. Hanh shared.

With her dedication, enthusiasm, and compassionate heart, Ms. Hanh has become a pillar of support for many in difficult circumstances and a shining example in the local women's movement.

Thuy Lam

Source: https://baocamau.vn/lan-toa-long-nhan-ai-a124319.html