People come to “Zero-dong supermarket” to receive Tet gifts. (Photo: VOV)

70-year-old Thach Thi Phen, a Khmer woman who lives in Dong Khoen hamlet, Phong Thanh commune, said, “I live alone, and have no farmland and no income. In the dry season, I glean rice. Seeing my situation, the authorities invited me here to receive gifts. On both the Lunar New Year and the Khmer New Year, I receive rice, seasoning powder, sugar, instant noodles, and sometimes even cash. I’m very grateful to the authorities.”

People use “Tet shopping vouchers” to choose what they need. (Photo: VOV)
Duong Ngoc Hien, who is more than 70 years old, lives in Hamlet 3, Cau Ke commune. “Single elderly people, orphans, and people with disabilities are very well cared for by the local authorities. During Tet, we usually receive rice, noodles and other essential goods that we can use to prepare worship offerings. I’ve lived alone all my life and rely on benefactors and the commune authorities for support. I’m very thankful.”

Thach Thi Som Oanh Na, Vice Chairwoman of the Cau Ke commune People’s Committee, said that organising a “Zero-dong supermarket” requires more effort from social organisations and local officials compared to distributing gifts directly to households. However, this model allows people to choose the essential goods their family need.

“During the 2026 New Year of the Horse, we’ve organised this special program for poor households to receive essential goods, and we’ve mobilized social resources to ensure that every poor or disadvantaged household has a sufficient Tet,” Ms. Na said.

People are given essential goods for the coming Lunar New Year 2026. (Photo: VOV)
From now until the Lunar New Year festival, which will last for one week from February 16 to 22, the Cau Ke commune People’s Committee will continue to raise more funds to support disadvantaged families. Though modest in value, the gifts reflect the caring and solidarity of local authorities, businesses, and the community in helping people welcome the spring in a warm and compassionate spirit.