Spreading Love Through Small Acts

A “Zero-Cost” Gift Within School Grounds

Without flashy signboards or loud calls for donations, the clothing corner has been quietly sustained by the goodwill of teachers, parents and more than 2,600 students of the school named after the great poet Nguyen Du. For more than two years, school uniforms, jackets, dresses and bags have become modest yet meaningful companions for many students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

According to Ms. Vo Thi My Thanh, Vice Principal of Nguyen Du Secondary School, many students come from low-income or vulnerable families. Some live with grandparents while their parents work far from home; others have lost one parent. “For these families, keeping their children in school is already a burden. Food and clothing are daily worries, and there are students who have worn the same two or three old uniforms for years,” she said.

By utilizing the School Counseling Room, the school set up the “Zero-Cost Clothing Corner” right inside this space. This convenient location allows students to select clothes according to their needs while also seeking psychological counseling from teachers, discreetly and without fear of being noticed by peers.

The simple message displayed there reads: “Give if you have more; receive if you lack.” It gently reminds everyone that there is no distinction between giver and receiver, only hearts turning toward one another. As a result, the clothing racks are sometimes full, sometimes nearly empty and then full again.

Ms. Huynh Tran Hong Ngoc, the teacher in charge of school counseling and the clothing corner, shared that all donated items are carefully washed, free of damp smells or signs of wear. Buttons are checked, and more than 100 garments are neatly hung and categorized by type and size. Items that cannot be displayed are folded carefully and sorted by size.

Thanks to this care and order, the corner does not feel like a place for used clothes, but rather a warm, shared wardrobe where every student can freely choose what suits them best. Students are also mindful to take only what they need and rearrange the space neatly after selecting, making it easier for the next person.

Choosing a Life of Sharing

Many parents praise the model for being both practical and meaningful. By easing economic barriers, the initiative helps disadvantaged students feel more confident and better supported in their educational journey. Parents also encourage their children to use belongings thoughtfully and to contribute items they no longer need.

Nguyen Ngoc Hoang Kim, a student from class 8/5, shared: “Many items at the ‘Zero-Cost Clothing Corner’ are still quite new, and some dresses are very beautiful. I’ve also donated uniforms that no longer fit me, hoping they will bring joy to other students.”

Ms. Vo Thi My Thanh added that textile waste is currently one of the world’s major environmental issues. In schools, where students outgrow clothes quickly and frequently change outfits for different activities, unused garments accumulate rapidly. “This model helps address the problem at its source. At the same time, regular exposure to this initiative helps students develop a sense of respect for belongings, make responsible choices and adopt a more economical lifestyle.”

From a small corner within a school, the “Zero-Cost Clothing Corner” has grown beyond a simple charitable activity to become a symbol of compassion and the spirit that “school is a shared home.” What lingers most is not material value, which may fade over time, but trust, kindness, the bond between teachers and students, and a culture of giving and receiving that is nurtured day by day, quietly spreading, ever further.