Free meals: When kindness is rekindled.

With the desire to share the difficulties with poor patients, many organizations and individuals in Ninh Binh province have come together to contribute by cooking compassionate meals to provide free of charge to patients and their families undergoing long-term treatment at Nam Dinh General Hospital, Thien Truong ward, Ninh Binh province...

Members of the Volunteer Meal Association (Thien Truong ward) and students from Nguyen Khuyen High School ( Nam Dinh ward) prepared free meals to donate to patients.

On a Sunday in mid-April, the early summer sun blazed down on the earth. As noon approached, the air became increasingly hot and stuffy, but precisely on time at the entrance of Nam Dinh General Hospital, members of the Volunteer Meal Association from Thien Truong Ward, Ninh Binh Province, had already set up tables, chairs, and utensils to begin distributing meals to patients. Dozens of patients and their family members, many of whom were in difficult circumstances and lived far from the hospital, and were undergoing long-term inpatient treatment, lined up to receive meals – a gesture of sharing and compassion from the volunteer association.

Hundreds of hot, nutritious meals were delivered to patients by members of the volunteer association, along with heartfelt words of encouragement, creating a profound humanitarian value of sharing and giving love within the community.

Holding a warm meal in her hands, Mrs. Ngo Thi Dung from Cat Thanh commune, Ninh Binh province, shared that her husband suffers from kidney disease and is in poor health, making life even more difficult for the family. These compassionate meals not only help alleviate the financial burden but also provide encouragement for the family to continue their treatment journey.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Tuyet, head of the Volunteer Meal Association, said that on average, every Sunday, the group prepares about 400 meals to send to poor and disadvantaged patients receiving treatment at Nam Dinh General Hospital. This work has been carried out by the Association for the past 15 years with the desire to share the difficulties with those who are sick, ill, and facing many hardships and shortages.

Ms. Tuyet shared that the idea of ​​donating meals to patients was sparked by her family's experiences caring for relatives undergoing treatment at the hospital. Having witnessed firsthand many difficult situations, with patients and their families struggling to afford meals, and some even going hungry to save money for medication, she and her family members began cooking these compassionate meals, hoping to contribute a small part to alleviate their daily worries.

Based on that idea, since around 2011, Ms. Tuyet's family has organized the cooking and distribution of meals to patients in hospitals in the former Nam Dinh city area. Starting with just a few members, the activity gradually attracted more volunteers. Every Sunday, the group mobilizes 15-20 people to cook charitable meals. Cooking begins at 4 a.m. Because the meals are prepared for patients and their families, every step is carried out with utmost care. Ingredients are selected from reputable sources, are nutritious, and easy to digest. Preservation is done systematically with safety and nutrition as top priorities, ensuring that each meal distributed is not only an act of sharing but also guarantees the health of the recipient.

Ms. Tuyet's Charity Meal Association currently has about 60 members. In addition to directly participating in preparing meals, members also voluntarily contribute funds and actively call for and spread charitable activities.

Members of the Volunteer Meal Association (Thien Truong ward) and students from Nguyen Khuyen High School (Nam Dinh ward) prepared free meals to donate to patients.

For the past three years, 67-year-old Mrs. Nong Thi Tinh from Nam Dinh ward has been steadfastly involved in charitable meal preparation. Despite her advanced age, she regularly participates alongside others, quietly contributing to every step, from preparing ingredients to distributing meals directly to patients. For her, it's not just a charitable act, but also a joy, a way to share and spread love to those less fortunate.

Besides donating meals at Nam Dinh General Hospital, the Volunteer Meal Association provides meals to most hospitals in the area, such as Nam Dinh Lung Hospital and Nam Dinh Mental Hospital. To fund and develop this meaningful activity, in addition to monthly voluntary contributions from members, the Association calls for support from individuals, philanthropists, and businesses. Many establishments and food businesses, aware of the Association's activities, have donated food to cook meals for patients. From there, these compassionate meals are regularly delivered, providing warmth and hope to patients.

Since 2019, the Association has received enthusiastic support from students of the Green Flame Volunteer Club, Nguyen Khuyen High School, Nam Dinh Ward. Whenever charitable meal distribution programs take place, the students are always present early to help members of the Association prepare the meals.

According to Tran Dinh Anh Duc, a student in class 10A10, participating in the charitable meal distribution activity taught him how to love and share with those in difficult circumstances, while also cultivating discipline, a sense of responsibility, and a spirit of effort and striving.

Students from Nguyen Khuyen High School (Nam Dinh ward) donated meals to patients.

The Green Flame Volunteer Club of Nguyen Khuyen High School currently has 55 members, mostly 10th and 11th grade students. While actively participating in cooking meals for charity events, they also proactively contribute to many other charitable activities such as preparing essential supplies, participating in programs supporting disadvantaged people, and other community service activities. Despite their busy academic schedules, they still manage their time effectively to participate with a commendable sense of responsibility and enthusiasm.

According to Ms. Tran Thi Lan Dung, advisor of the Green Flame Volunteer Club, these meaningful activities always receive attention and support from the school and parents, not only because of their practical value to the community but also because of their positive impact on the formation and development of students' personalities. Through volunteer activities, students cultivate compassion, learn to love and share, and develop discipline, a sense of responsibility, and a spirit of effort and striving in their studies and in life.

From simple yet meaningful meals, the journey of charitable work has been spreading strongly throughout the community, especially among the younger generation. In a society where many people still face difficult circumstances requiring sharing and assistance, these "kitchens of love" need to be further expanded, contributing to building a cohesive society, bridging gaps, and making life warmer, more compassionate, and more humane.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/xa-hoi/nhung-bua-com-0-dong-khi-long-tot-duoc-tiep-lua-20260413150414939.htm