Grains of rice symbolizing love and compassion.

For over 13 years, the "Catholic Charity Rice Jar" Club in Phuoc An 1 village, Phuoc Hau commune, has helped many poor, disadvantaged, disabled, elderly, and vulnerable households in the area.

Spreading the spirit of mutual support and compassion.

Following the Women's Union officials of Phuoc Hau commune, we arrived at the rice mill of Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoai Lan's family – a member of the Steering Committee of the "Catholic Charitable Rice Jar" Club – just as the club members were packing rice into bags to prepare for distribution to disadvantaged, lonely, and vulnerable people during the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026. The atmosphere was extremely lively and warm. It is expected that this year, the club will distribute about 1 ton of rice; while maintaining a reserve of about 300 kg to promptly support those in need, spreading the spirit of mutual support and compassion in the community.

The rice was carefully selected by the Club's Steering Committee.

Among the cases supported by the club, the situation of Ms. Pham Thi Hong Hoa (Phuoc An 1 village) touched many hearts. Ms. Hoa has suffered from muscular atrophy since childhood, is confined to a wheelchair, and has poor health. For over 30 years, she has run a small grocery store to make a living, but her income is unstable. A few years ago, Ms. Hoa borrowed 40 million VND from the Social Policy Bank to start her business. However, recently, her health has deteriorated, she is frequently ill, and her business has become increasingly difficult, causing her to gradually lose the ability to repay the debt. She has also had to borrow from friends to make ends meet. Especially since the death of her parents, Ms. Hoa has almost lost all her emotional and material support. Understanding her situation, the club has regularly provided her with 5 to 10 kg of rice each month and gifts during holidays and Tet (Lunar New Year). Ms. Hoa shared: “Since the club started providing rice, I no longer have to worry about daily meals. What I value most is the genuine care and encouragement from the women in the club, which makes me always feel warm, supported, and know that I am not being left behind.”

A 13-year journey of perseverance

Phuoc An 1 village has approximately 95% Catholic population. The village Women's Association has 250 members out of a total of over 700 women in the village, many of whom face very difficult economic circumstances, as well as elderly people living alone and those who are sick. Aware of this situation, in early 2012, Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Yen, the head of the village Women's Association, proposed and received the approval and support of the Women's Union of the commune to establish the "Catholic Charitable Rice Jar" Club to help poor women, elderly people living alone, and vulnerable people in need. Over 13 years of operation, the club has distributed more than 13 tons of rice to these beneficiaries, including cases where support has been continuous for 7 to 8 years, even until death. Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Yen stated: “To maintain the model, the club members have actively and flexibly mobilized members, benefactors, and organizations to donate rice and money. After receiving donations, the club directly goes to Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoai Lan's family rice mill to purchase rice for distribution to beneficiaries. Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoai Lan is a member of the Steering Committee and is very dedicated and enthusiastic about the club's activities. Even when rice prices increase, she does not raise prices, contributing to the smooth operation of the model. The club's 'Catholic Charity Rice Jar' is increasingly attracting support from benefactors, making its operation more effective.”

Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Yen, Head of the Women's Association of Phuoc An 1 village, visited and presented rice to Ms. Hoa.

According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Khanh Hai, Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee and Chairwoman of the Women's Union of Phuoc Hau commune, the "Charitable Catholic Rice Jar" Club in Phuoc An 1 village is a typical social welfare model, operating effectively and having a high ripple effect. The club not only supports Catholic women members but also helps many other disadvantaged and vulnerable individuals. The club's outstanding features include its spirit of solidarity, voluntarism, and transparency; the management of rice and money is clearly documented with receipts and records. This has fostered trust and long-term support from the community. In the future, the Women's Union of Phuoc Hau commune will expand this model to other women's branches in the area.

KHANH HA

Source: https://baokhanhhoa.vn/xa-hoi/202601/nhung-hat-gao-nghia-tinh-3513181/