There are those who dedicate a significant part of their lives to… asking for help, but not for themselves—rather, for those less fortunate. For them, the joy is even greater during the days leading up to Tet, as they become a "bridge" that brings compassion closer to those in need of assistance.

Teacher Phan Quoc Hung organized the heartfelt program "I Sing for You" dedicated to underprivileged students. Photo: T.Y.

In the joy of "asking for help"

Over 70 years old, Mrs. Nguyen Thi A, a retired teacher in Hoa Hiep Nam ward, Lien Chieu district, consistently organizes dozens of Tet gift packages each year for women and children facing difficulties in the area. From rice, cooking oil, and essential goods to new clothing, everything is gathered through tireless effort. Notably, most of the recipients of these gifts are former students of Mrs. A. “I may not be wealthy, but I have time and long-standing relationships with my students. As long as I reach out, I believe there will be people willing to support,” Mrs. A shared when her eyes shine with optimism.

Mrs. A's journey to help others began with her underprivileged students living along Cu De River. She recalls that during her teaching years at Nguyen Luong Bang Middle School, many students arrived at school wearing thin clothes and with empty stomachs during the winter. As a result, each day she would bring along some snacks or fruits to share with them in addition to her lesson plans. Occasionally, she would ask friends for warm clothing, old books, or new uniforms for her students.

Back then, Mrs. A's income as a teacher was modest, making it difficult for her to do more than help those in need. However, upon retiring, when she was offered the position of President of the Charity and Children's Rights Protection Association in Lien Chieu district, she gladly accepted, because she understands that this new role would provide her with additional opportunities to connect with compassionate individuals. Starting her work as someone who "asks for help to give", Mrs. A describes it as “the greatest joy in her later years”.

She shares that each time she hands out gifts and sees the joyful eyes of the children and the happy smiles of their mothers, she feels rejuvenated and happier. In her many years in this new role, she has not only organized Tet gifts but has also connected various long-term support programs, such as scholarships for underprivileged students and loans for single mothers to start their businesses.

In recent years, even after stepping down from her position as President of the Charity and Children's Rights Protection Association in Lien Chieu district, Mrs. A has continued her "asking and giving" work as a habit. During the days leading up to Tet, she dedicates time to follow the news, visit families she has previously assisted, or go to markets to encourage vendors to support charitable programs. One of the programs she is most proud of is maintaining a free kitchen for patients at Da Nang Psychiatric Hospital, where she frequently visits with bags in hand. “I have been involved in this work for so long that it’s hard to stop now. Whenever I see someone in need or suffering, my hands and feet instinctively want to do something to help,” she shares with a gentle smile.

Reflecting on her long journey, Mrs. A cannot quantify how many people she has helped, and she doesn’t consider it important. For her, the joy lies in the happy smiles she sees and the warm feeling that comes from knowing her efforts have provided a family with a hearty meal or a child with a warm coat.

Among the many memories from this journey, one stands out: the time she reunited with a former student who is now the director of a small business. Knowing that his former teacher was gathering Tet gifts for underprivileged women and children in the area, he generously sponsored nearly all of the donations. “Seeing my students grow up and give back to the community makes all my efforts worthwhile,” Mrs. A said, visibly moved.

Quietly contributing

With no time to "deliver in person", Mrs. Ha Thi Sinh and her husband from Ha Sinh Kim Anh Company in Hoa Khanh Bac ward (Lien Chieu district) choose to contribute financially and with goods through charitable organizations. Notably, since the charity kitchen at Da Nang Psychiatric Hospital began operations, she has supported over 100 kg of meat and various types of eggs each month. Additionally, she quietly participates in programs that distribute gifts to families in need.

This year for Tet, Mrs. Ha Thi Sinh and her husband sponsored dozens of gift packages containing rice, essential goods, and cash for families in need in Lien Chieu district. She stated that each time she receives an invitation to participate in a charitable program, she never hesitates because she believes that even though she may not be directly handing out gifts, her contributions will still help others.

In addition to her personal contributions, Mrs. Sinh's family actively encourages friends and partners to get involved. “I believe that if I have the ability to connect with others, I shouldn’t do it alone. The more people who join in, the greater the impact we can make,” Mrs. Sinh added.

These simple actions are like beautiful flowers quietly spreading kindness throughout the community. For them, happiness is not about receiving but about giving, about bringing smiles to those less fortunate. As young teacher Phan Quoc Hung from Hai Ba Trung Primary School in Son Tra district shared during the recent music night "I Sing for You" at Mayaca Café on Nguyen Duy Hieu Street, life is short, so we should live beautifully so that when we look back, we can still wear a smile. For this reason, for nearly three years, Mr. Hung has consistently organized the "I Sing for You" program at the beginning of the school year and around Tet, with the heartfelt intention of “providing the children with new clothes”.

What is particularly special about the charitable programs organized by Mr. Hung is that he does not establish a fund or retain any of the donated money; instead, he gives everything directly to the students right after the music night ends. Mr. Hung recalls that during his first visit to a student’s home in the outskirts of the city, he felt a deep sense of compassion upon seeing the child struggling to study in a dilapidated one-story house with hardly any belongings. At that moment, he simply thought that he had to do something for these children.

From that time, Mr. Hung's music night "I Sing for You" has been held regularly, serving as a bridge between compassionate hearts and children in difficult circumstances. Each event features teachers, friends, artists, singers, and music lovers from the local community.

Without a grand stage or dazzling lights, the songs performed carry the love and care of the community. New clothes, backpacks, shoes, and small scholarships have reached hundreds of students thanks to the efforts of Mr. Hung and his companions. “At the recent music night, after handing out Tet gifts, seeing the children smile brought tears to my eyes,” he shared emotionally.

These days, throughout the streets of Da Nang, there are countless shining eyes of givers and the bright smiles of recipients, making Tet more complete and sweeter. Thus, when spring arrives, those who choose to "ask for help to give" can smile, knowing they are living a meaningful life.

Reporting by TIEU YEN – Translating by HONG VAN