Food donated to feed most vulnerable

Charitable residents in the Kangle community in Shanghai's Xuhui district are donating to the local food bank to ensure that those struggling to get food, such as the elderly and those unable to use smartphones, have enough on their plates during the ongoing closed-loop management to curb the local outbreak of COVID-19.

According to the Shanghai Morning Post, the food bank was set up by a resident surnamed Wang and has been a temporary food source for the community's elderly, especially those living on their own, since March 25 when the community was put into closed-loop management.

Wang had the idea when a senior commented in a community WeChat group that he had no food to eat.

"Many residents were willing to help and I volunteered to record the products available at the food bank," she said.

To guarantee social distancing, Wang placed a large plastic box near the community's security to be used as the food bank, making it possible for residents to donate and then for volunteers to deliver items to the elderly. Donations of vegetables, rice and snacks began to quickly roll in.

One packet of vegetables was attached with a note that read: "These are organic vegetables. Please deliver them to those in need."

An 85-year-old resident surnamed Hong received a food donation last week. "I didn't accept it at first, because I had sufficient food for nearly a week," he said.

"But I was so moved by the goodwill, I took some tomatoes, cucumbers and oranges, and left the rest for those really in need."

A 65-year-old surnamed Cao, one of the volunteers, has been deeply touched by the residents' compassion and generosity during the latest outbreak. "I'm grateful to everyone who has lent a hand," she said.

The situation in Xuhui district isn't a one-off. In Songjiang district, a couple bought and delivered 100 packs of vegetables-five kilograms each and worth over 6,000 yuan ($943) in total-to the elderly people in their community.

"We don't have much contact with the elderly normally, but I believe most young people will step up to give a hand if it's necessary," said Lai Rihua, who made the donation with the help of friends working in supermarkets. "All of us are members of the community. We're like a big family."

Xu Shuwei contributed to this story.