“Zero-cost stall” at a rural market in Thuan Hoa

Every Saturday morning, amid the familiar setting of Thuan Hoa commune’s rural market, the “zero-cost stall” organized by the Thuan Hoa Commune Police has become a heartwarming highlight, drawing the attention of many local residents in this highland area. Without banners or slogans, the stall appears simply, offering neatly arranged clothes and daily necessities that are handed directly to people in need in a sincere and friendly atmosphere.

Officers of the Thuan Hoa Commune Police hand out clothes to local people at the “zero-cost stall”.

Few people know that behind the small stall in a corner of the market lies the quiet and persistent preparation of the commune police officers. After completing their professional duties, on Friday afternoons, the officers gather to sort, inspect and carefully fold each donated item of clothing and every pair of sandals. Each gift is not merely material support but also a gesture of respect and heartfelt care, thoughtfully prepared to reach those who truly need it.

After more than six months of operation, the “zero-cost stall” is no longer something new to local people. It has become a familiar meeting point at each market session, where residents can comfortably choose warm clothes or essential items without hesitation or embarrassment. There is no distance between giver and receiver - only sincerity and mutual trust.

At each market session, between 300 and 500 sets of clothes, along with various daily necessities, are distributed to residents. These donations come from a portion of the monthly salaries of Thuan Hoa Commune Police officers as well as contributions from benefactors across the country. Notably, the police force only accepts in-kind donations and does not receive cash, ensuring transparency, proper use, and that support reaches the right beneficiaries.

Beyond charitable support, the “zero-cost stall” has gradually become an effective touchpoint for grassroots public outreach. Through each market session, police officers tactfully integrate communication on fire prevention, legal awareness, the voluntary surrender of weapons and explosives, and assistance in activating level-2 electronic identification. Right at the stall, officers both distribute gifts and guide residents on using the VNeID application, explaining new legal regulations in simple, down-to-earth language. The familiar rural market has thus turned into a unique outreach venue, where information is received with trust and goodwill rather than command or imposition.

The “zero-cost stall” not only helps ease daily hardships but also strengthens the bond between the police force and the people. Through neatly folded clothes and the bright smiles seen at early-morning markets, this modest model is quietly sowing seeds of compassion, contributing to social solidarity, improved public trust, and the maintenance of security and order in Thuan Hoa commune.

Hoang Ngoc