In recent days, at the flood relief donation site in Nam Dinh Ward, Ninh Binh Province, locals have been continuously bringing rice and essential supplies to support people affected by severe flooding in central Vietnam.

The humanitarian energy here is tangible.

Residents of Ninh Binh, in solidarity with the rest of the country, have mobilized to share what they can with flood victims in the central provinces.

At the donation point on Phu Nghia Street - run by CLB A18, a club founded by entrepreneurs originally from Nam Dinh - the atmosphere is lively from early morning until late at night.

Long lines of people arrive carrying rice, clothing, blankets, and other critical goods, quickly filling the storage area, with rice being the most donated item.

Every time a relief shipment is sent out, more rice immediately arrives, stacking high like a symbolic mountain. Locals have affectionately dubbed the area “Thach Sanh’s rice mountain,” evoking the Vietnamese folk hero known for his limitless generosity.

Donating from the heart, not the pocket

Carrying a heavy bag of rice, 64-year-old Pham Ngoc Tien from Nam Dinh Ward expressed deep empathy for people in the flood zones.

“Though I’m just a laborer and my family doesn’t have much, I still want to contribute something,” he said. “Those in the flood zones have suffered great loss and hardship. We’re more fortunate here, so I want to share a little to help.”

Similarly, Le Ngoc Mai, 63, from the same ward, brought warm clothes and blankets.

“I’ve lived through floods that reached the roof of my house, so I understand the pain people are going through in central Vietnam,” she shared. “I hope this small gesture gives them strength to get through these difficult days.”

A mission fueled by unity

Trần Trọng Huy, Chairman of CLB A18, explained that this is not the club’s first relief effort.

Since Typhoon Bualoi (Storm No.10), the club has represented Ninh Binh residents and generous donors, sending over 1,000 tons of rice, tens of thousands of boxes of instant noodles, and countless other necessities to provinces hit by natural disasters - such as Thai Nguyen, Bac Ninh, Cao Bang, and Lang Son.

Regarding the current campaign for the central region, Huy said he was moved by the overwhelming participation.

“This time, we’ve seen tens of thousands of people come to donate,” he said. “They’ve brought warm clothes, blankets, pots and pans, rice cookers - anything they think might help.”

Rice remains the most donated item.

“In just two days, we received over 100 tons of rice. Every time a shipment leaves, the center fills right back up. That’s why people started calling this place ‘Thach Sanh Street’,” Huy added.

What’s most touching is that contributions have come not only from well-off donors but also from laborers, janitors, and even schoolchildren. Some bring cash, others bring rice, clothes, or even a few books. Those without goods give their time, helping organize and pack the shipments.

“Everyone gives what they can,” Huy said.

Ensuring aid reaches the right hands

The donated goods are currently being sorted and packed at Phu Nghia Street and will soon be sent to Phu Yen and Binh Dinh Provinces - two of the hardest-hit areas.

Fifty volunteers from CLB A18 are working tirelessly at the center, ready to deliver supplies to even the most remote flood-stricken areas.

To ensure safe and direct distribution, the club is coordinating with local governments, the Fatherland Front, police, and military forces.

“All donated items, regardless of how they’re sent, will be delivered directly to those who need them most. That’s our responsibility - and our mission,” Huy affirmed.

Trong Tung