A volunteer offers food safety advice to local residents in the port city of Zhangjiagang in Jiangsu province on March 5. The activity was organized as part of "Learn from Lei Feng Day", an annual celebration of community spirit and patriotism. [Photo from WeChat account zjgwenming]

An army of volunteers organized 179 different activities in the port city of Zhangjiagang in Jiangsu province on March 5 to commemorate this year's "Learn from Lei Feng Day".

Lei Feng, a People's Liberation Army soldier, has been venerated in China since his death in 1962 for his selflessness, modesty and dedication. People in Zhangjiagang still take him as an example today, looking to channel the "spirit of Lei Feng" by helping others.

Some 300 volunteers from more than 70 local organizations attended the event, offering their assistance to local residents on everything from free medical treatment and first aid training, to food safety issues such as how to detect pesticide residues on local produce.

The event also saw the launching of several volunteer programs promoted by Yangshe town government. Mostly of a small scale, the programs are aimed at encouraging more people to engage in public activities.

Outstanding volunteer project leaders, teams and individuals from Yangshe town were also awarded honorary titles.

A free city brochure was also handed out to local residents, which offered useful advice and information on important issues including avoiding financial fraud, installing basic living facilities, sorting trash, utility providers and food safety issues.

Volunteers launch new small-scale volunteer programs in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu province, on March 5, aiming to encourage more people to engage in public activities. [Photo from WeChat account zjgwenming]