'Zero-dong stall' of a kind-hearted Western girl

In a peaceful corner of Go Cong Tay district, Tien Giang province, there is a kind-hearted young girl quietly sowing seeds of love through the 'Zero-dong stall' - anyone who stops by can feel the humanity and warmth from sharing.

That is the booth founded by Ms. Huynh Nhu with a passionate heart and desire to bring good things to the community.

Zero-dong booth at 399 Tran Quoc Toan, KP2, Vinh Binh, Go Cong Tay, Tien Giang PHOTO: TGCC

Journey of sowing love

Ms. Huynh Nhu started her volunteer journey in 2011, with visits and exchanges with people with disabilities on the occasion of the Mid-Autumn Festival and Lunar New Year held annually. These activities are not only an opportunity for her to give gifts, but also an opportunity for her to connect, listen and share with the less fortunate. The bright eyes and warm smiles from those she helps have become the motivation on her volunteer journey.

Ms. Huynh Nhu (left) at the Zero-dong Market at Linh Son Pagoda (Vinh Binh, Go Cong Tay) PHOTO: TGCC

Not stopping there, Ms. Nhu always wanted to do more for the community, and from there, the 0 Dong Store in Go Cong Tay was born - a small idea but with great meaning.

Zero-cost stall: House of kindness

On February 4, 2024, the Zero-dong Store was officially launched at 399 Tran Quoc Toan, KP2, Vinh Binh, Go Cong Tay, Tien Giang, marking an important milestone in Ms. Nhu's life. This is a place where anyone, regardless of age, gender or circumstances, can come and receive necessary items without having to pay any fees. From old but still good clothes, good books to daily necessities, all are neatly arranged, waiting for those who need them to take them home. Each item here carries a story, a heart...

For special groups such as the elderly and the disabled who cannot come to the booth, she and her friends will visit and deliver gifts to their homes on special occasions. Her joy is seeing each gift being delivered.

Regarding the opportunity to open the Zero-VND Booth, Ms. Huynh Nhu said that the idea came from a time when she joined the "Free Giving and Receiving" group in the apartment building where she lives. She was exposed to a similar booth and was deeply impressed with this model. At that time, a close friend sent her a picture of the Zero-VND Booth in District 9 (HCMC) and encouraged her to open one in her hometown. Those words of encouragement seemed to add motivation, urging her to turn the idea into reality. Thanks to the enthusiastic support of her friends, within just one week, she was able to complete the booth and open it before Tet, giving 17 gifts to disadvantaged households and lonely elderly people.

Ms. Huynh Nhu (middle) at the Vocational Guidance Club for Disabled Youth. Photo: TGCC

The first difficulties and the motivation to overcome them

However, maintaining the Zero-VND Booth in the early days was not easy. Because Ms. Nhu lives and works in Saigon, she could only open the booth once a month. This caused a lot of inconvenience for both her and the givers and receivers. Every time she opened the booth, she had to constantly notify everyone, arrange and clean the booth. But then, with the support of her mother, from Buddha's birthday 2024, the Zero-VND Booth was opened every day. Thanks to that, local people could access the booth more easily and she also had less trouble managing it.

Since the stall opened, she felt that it has contributed to creating a beautiful “giving – donating” culture in the community. Local people now not only come to receive items but are also willing to bring unused items to donate to the stall. Volunteers also come to help her arrange her belongings and deliver gifts to more difficult places. All of these have become strong motivations, helping her overcome the initial difficulties and continue to maintain.

Happiness is when you give

Currently, in addition to maintaining the Zero-VND Booth, Ms. Huynh Nhu also takes on the role of a member of the Youth Vocational Guidance Club for the Disabled. She always cherishes new plans with the hope of organizing more meaningful activities for the community, especially the disabled, the lonely elderly and orphans in her hometown. Such activities have become an indispensable part of her life.

For her, giving is a great happiness, it is the joy of seeing others receive what they need, and that joy is even greater when she herself becomes a bridge of sharing. The 0 VND stall is not only a place to give and receive, but also a place to convey human values, connect loving hearts, where stories of humanity are written every day.

Thanhnien.vn

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/gian-hang-0-dong-cua-co-gai-mien-tay-thien-lanh-185241002164015869.htm