Green Kitchen Charity Keeps Coastal Kindness Alive

"Green Kitchen was established in 2017 from the heartfelt dedication of trade union officials and numerous volunteers from the coastal region", recalls Nguyen Thi Ngoc Thai Loan, formerly an official of the Binh Thuan Provincial Federation of Labor and now of the Lam Dong Provincial Federation of Labor.

The members affectionately refer to the group as a kitchen, representing the familiar corner of every Vietnamese home. "We are not doing anything grand; we simply bring a sense of community sharing to those still facing hardship and to children, with the sincere wish that the kitchen remains warm and filled with love", shares Loan.

From cups of soy milk to a wider circle of support

My Huyen, one of the members of the kitchen since day one, never forgets the aspiration she and her teammates shared. "Initially, we contributed our efforts by delivering warm cups of soy milk, portions of porridge, and meals directly to patients at the provincial general hospital. Then, as more benefactors joined, the activities of the kitchen expanded further", Huyen recounts.

From preparing milk and porridge for patients, Green Kitchen expanded its activities to distribute gifts to elderly people living alone, children in remote areas, and people with disabilities during holidays and Tet. "During the Mid Autumn Festival, children in disadvantaged areas receive gifts such as lanterns, mooncakes, or masks, and they are extremely delighted. Although the monetary value is not great, the gifts are filled with our affection for everyone", shares Tran Xuan Tham, a kitchen member.

Keeping the spirit of sharing alive

"The kitchen sustains its operations through community support and the dedicated efforts of its members. Aside from funding provided by friends, relatives, and benefactors, every holiday and Tet season, the members engage in activities such as selling lanterns and wrapping gift sets, with the proceeds used to buy gifts for the elderly and children. It is tiring but we are happy because of the smiles on the faces of the elderly and the innocent eyes of the children", shares Loan.

For Loan, the significance of Green Kitchen goes beyond individual charitable activities. It reflects the belief that community solidarity can connect people and create lasting social value.

“Those of us involved in trade union work deeply understand that concerted community efforts can foster solidarity and bring people closer together. Everything is driven by a shared goal: bringing joy, trust and love,” Loan says.

Although many members have since moved away from the coastal region for work, the spirit behind Green Kitchen has remained strong.

With the Mid-Autumn Festival approaching, former members and supporters continue to contact the group to contribute mooncakes and lanterns.

“Many older friends and supporters have called to donate cakes and lanterns. The kitchen is preparing to deliver these gifts to children, adding a little moonlight to their festive celebration,” Loan says.

From warm bowls of porridge and cups of soy milk to simple lanterns and mooncakes, Green Kitchen continues to keep alive a modest but meaningful tradition of community care — one that began with a few volunteers and has grown through the kindness of many.