Some don't need to know the name, some don't feel shy
Without huge promotional signs, no cameras to "stream" social networks, volunteer groups giving free meals in front of big hospitals such as K Hospital - Tan Trieu facility (Hanoi) still operate regularly every day. Quietly but persistently, they choose to help life with respect.
Because more than anyone else, they understand that everyone who is lining up to wait for that portion of rice is struggling to bear the burden of worries - from treatment costs, medicine to rush meals in the midst of a bustling life in the city. Giving a box of rice is not a way to " set off", but a way to accompany patients on their journey to fight the disease.
Just leaving the clinic of K Hospital, Ms. Nguyen Thi Hien (from Ninh Binh) carried a bag of medicine in her hand, her eyes lit up with joy when receiving a 0 VND meal from the volunteer group. "Every month I go to Hanoi for examination and treatment. Today, the cost of testing and medicine is more than 2.5 million VND, plus the cost of travel and food is enough. In the middle of a city where a portion of rice costs tens of thousands, and having a box of rice like this makes me very happy" - Ms. Hien emotionally shared.
"This stew is very delicious, Uncle, with soup, vegetables, and a decent salty dish. It is not just about spending money, but about seeing yourself not being abandoned. There are still people who care and help me unconditionally, Ms. Hien added.
Ms. Hien also confided that for people from far away provinces coming to Hanoi for treatment, a nutritious, hot meal from volunteer hearts is truly a "mental medicine" to help patients have more strength to cling to the fight against disease.
Many meals are given away every day
At noon on July 25, in front of the gate of K Hospital - Tan Trieu facility, each person held a small ballot in hand, lining up to receive rice. Everyone's eyes are watching the rice boxes being placed on the table, as if waiting for a hope to come at the right time.
Free meals include hot rice, salty foods, stir-fried vegetables and soup - although simple, carefully prepared, clean and nutritious. Not only does it help patients "set up their stomachs", it is also a practical, humane care in the midst of tiring days.
"We just hope that patients and their families can eat a proper meal. Not only to feel full but also to have the strength to take care of each other and overcome illness", Mr. Le Tung Lam - a member of the volunteer group shared.
According to Mr. Lam, every day his group and some friends, strong and weak, cook from 100 to 200 meals, depending on the number of subscribers. "We do not ask for anything from the recipient. Just knowing that they have more health is enough to warm their hearts," said Mr. Lam.
kindness spreads silently but strongly
Not only charity groups, many people living around the hospital area also participated in the support.
Mr. Le Van Cuong (from Thanh Hoa), who sells water near the gate of K Hospital - said: "Every afternoon from Monday to Sunday, there is a volunteer group that gives away free meals. Sometimes many groups play the same day. Who comes first will receive first, no jostling, no competition. Each act of kindness seems to add positive energy to the whole neighborhood".
"The good thing is that no one here is giving credit, no one shows off. Some people give because they are helped, others receive because they do not feel inferior. A very beautiful relationship between people, said Mr. Cuong.
Mr. Le Tung Lam shared that in the bustling cycle of urban life, the small 0 VND meals have made a big difference. They are like a warm blanket in the middle of winter night, like a hand that comes out right when others are struggling. Without needing to thank loudly, without waiting for a response, each meal given is a heart that puts its trust in good things. That is also the spirit of "mutual love", "the healthy leaves cover the torn leaves" - human values that are being preserved and spread from the small corners of everyday life.
