On March 21, National Forest Day, a gentle spring breeze swept across the campus of Putong Primary School in Jiading Town, Shanghai, bringing warmth and greenery. The school was bustling with activity as the “Grow with Me” Charity Fair was in full swing. Over a thousand students from grades three to five, affectionately referred to as “Little Lei Fengs,” weaved through the lively booths, spreading kindness with their tiny hands and lighting up the spirit of charity with their innocent smiles.
With the theme “Lei Feng’s Spirit in Our Hearts, Acts of Kindness Nurture Young Souls,” the event cleverly combined the values of service with environmental awareness. Upon entering the venue, one was greeted by rows of colorful booths, the sweet aroma of popcorn, and the joyful laughter of children. The charity sale area was filled with books, stationery, and handmade crafts, each item carrying heartfelt intentions. In front of the booths, little “shopkeepers” energetically called out: “Come and buy! Great deals, and the money goes to kids in Yunnan!” Their eyes sparkled with sincerity, as if they were holding not just goods, but hopes for their peers in distant places.
At the “Green Sprout Lei Feng Initiative” booth run by students from our college’s Social Work program, a group of children were intently crafting succulent plant pots. Their fingers were covered in soil, but their faces beamed with smiles. “Teacher said succulents are like little forests. Planting one is like planting love!” exclaimed an excited fourth-grader. The booth leader explained, “Our motto is: plant the seed of Lei Feng, let flowers of civility bloom; protect the green forest, let young hearts sprout anew. We hope that through hands-on activities, children can experience both the spirit of Lei Feng and the beauty of nature, letting the seeds of public service take root in their hearts.”
The succulents and DIY potted plants at the charity sale quickly became the highlight of the fair. Children gathered around the tables, carefully selecting leaves, matching flower pots, and combining soil, greenery, and creativity with their tiny hands. One child, proudly holding a handmade “Teddy Bear Succulent Pot,” said, “I’m going to donate the money I make so that kids in Yunnan can have beautiful books too!” Nearby volunteers gently guided the children, subtly passing on the concept of “small acts of kindness.” The dried flower sticker and seed giveaway areas were equally popular. Children used colorful dried flowers to create their own designs, and each seed handed out held the potential to grow into a tree—just as each small act of kindness has the power to change the world.
The event attracted nearly a thousand teachers and students. All proceeds from the charity sale will be donated to schools in the mountainous areas of Yunnan to help improve their educational environment. This initiative not only continued the legacy of Lei Feng’s spirit in a modern context but also extended the vision of building a “charitable city” from the campus of Putong Primary School to places far beyond. On-site, student volunteers from the Social Work program demonstrated a strong sense of responsibility—from preparing materials to guiding the event—reflecting the new generation’s commitment to carrying forward the spirit of Lei Feng.
The “Green Sprout Lei Feng Initiative” was like a silent spring rain, nurturing young hearts and awakening kindness in society. When charity meets environmental protection, and the spirit of Lei Feng resonates with Forest Day, this event becomes more than a simple fundraiser—it becomes an enlightening lesson in love and growth.
