Inspiring Story of an Octogenarian’s Efforts to Aid Those in Need

SKĐS – For the past 23 years, rain or shine, 80-year-old Trần Thị Chích from Tân Sơn town, Ninh Sơn district, Ninh Thuận province, has tirelessly collected recyclables and scrap paper to help those in need.

Collecting recyclables to assist those less fortunate

We visited Trần Thị Chích’s house on a July afternoon while she was sorting through a pile of scrap materials. She told us that due to her old age, she doesn’t go far and only stays around her neighborhood to collect recyclables and scrap paper to sell and help those who are even less fortunate than her.

Living next door to Mrs. Chích, Trần Thị Chín (in Ward 2, Tân Sơn town, Ninh Sơn district) said, “”””Despite her old age and weakened strength, every day, Mrs. Chích tirelessly continues the work she has done for many years. Her routine of collecting recyclables starts from 7 am to around 10 am in the morning and then from 3 pm to 5 pm in the afternoon.””””

By collecting recyclables and scrap paper every day, Mrs. Chích can earn between 20,000 to 30,000 Vietnamese Dong, which amounts to about 400,000 – 600,000 Dong per month. She saves all of this money in a piggy bank and occasionally breaks it open to use the funds for scholarships for underprivileged students, elderly individuals living alone, and poor families.

Mrs. Chích shared, “”””Wherever I am and whenever someone needs help within my capabilities, I’m willing to assist. My only fear is that one day, I may become too weak to collect recyclables, and I won’t be able to help as much.””””

While collecting recyclables, scrap paper, and more, Mrs. Chích also mobilizes and encourages others in her community to share and contribute to help those in need, particularly underprivileged students and individuals facing difficult circumstances.

Mrs. Chích shared, “”””A few years ago, my children didn’t stop me from doing this work, but now that I’m 80, they advise me to limit collecting recyclables. However, I still quietly continue because I find joy in doing this work, and I strive to help others.””””

Silently helping others

In our conversation, Mrs. Chích mentioned that many students in the neighborhood consider her a close relative, and they see great meaning in her life and her work.

“”””Seeing these poor students always filled with a thirst for knowledge, I can’t help but feel emotional. Because of their difficult circumstances, they face hardships, so I secretly thought about what I could do to support them,”””” Mrs. Chích expressed.

Admiring Mrs. Chích’s meaningful work, Lê Mỹ Huyền, a 9th-grade student at Nguyễn Trường Tộ Secondary School in Tân Sơn town, shared her story: “”””My family is in a difficult situation; my parents are divorced, and recently, my mother developed epilepsy, making our family situation even more challenging. I was considering quitting school to work in the fields to help my mother. At that moment, Mrs. Chích visited us, provided scholarships, money for school supplies, and encouraged me to continue my education. I was deeply moved and determined to study hard, not letting down Mrs. Chích.””””

Mr. Nguyễn Đức Tin, deputy head of Ward 2 in Tân Sơn town, shared that when he hears about difficult situations or elderly people facing illness, Mrs. Chích rides her bicycle to visit them, and then returns home to collect recyclables and scrap paper to give as gifts. What’s particularly special is that every time she gives scholarships to underprivileged students, Mrs. Chích also offers words of encouragement, urging them to strive for education and become valuable members of society. She emphasizes the importance of looking beyond themselves and avoiding feelings of dissatisfaction that can lead to discouragement and negativity.

Mr. Nguyễn Đức Thảo, Deputy Chairman of the People’s Committee of Tân Sơn town, praised Mrs. Chích for her many years of support for underprivileged students, providing them with opportunities to attend school. Whenever she hears about someone in need due to illness or other difficulties, Mrs. Chích promptly visits them, bringing gifts. The local residents here deeply appreciate Mrs. Chích’s compassionate heart, and they often affectionately refer to her as “”””Aunt Chích.””””

For her meaningful and humanitarian actions, several years ago, Mrs. Chích had the honor of receiving a Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister for her outstanding achievements in promoting the principles of studying and following the moral example of Hồ Chí Minh for five consecutive years.

(Source: suckhoedoisong.vn)