When COVID-19 cases surged in Shijiazhuang City, north China's Hebei Province, 27-year-old Zhang Yanjia stepped up as a community volunteer. His mission? Delivering free anti-epidemic supplies to residents under lockdown. But amid the chaos, Zhang discovered an unexpected silver lining: a renewed appreciation for life’s “ordinary treasures.”
\"I used to overlook the little things,” Zhang told local media. \"Now, my mother’s handmade dumplings after a long shift, video calls with my grandmother, or even neighbors sharing groceries feel like small victories.\"
Zhang’s story reflects a broader theme emerging across pandemic-hit communities worldwide – resilience through connection. Over 1,200 volunteers like him now support Shijiazhuang’s neighborhoods, according to municipal data, forming a grassroots safety net during the outbreak.
\"These moments remind us that ordinary people hold extraordinary power,” he said. \"When we come together, no challenge is too big.\"
Reference(s):
Shijiazhuang volunteer: My touching moments under the pandemic
cgtn.com
