A volunteer (R) clips the nails for an old woman in Rudong, Nantong, Jiangsu province on March 5. [Photo/rdxmt.com]

Nearly 130,000 volunteers on March 5 came together to observe the Learn From Lei Feng Day by performing voluntary activities in remembrance of the soldier renowned for his generosity and altruistic deeds in Rudong county, Nantong, eastern Jiangsu province.

This is the 56th Learn From Lei Feng Day. The tradition started when Chairman Mao Zedong called on the country to learn from Lei in 1963, one year after the soldier died in an accident at the age of 22.

Rudong county has dedicated itself to expanding its voluntary teams to promote the Lei Feng spirit of helping others.

The Jianghai Volunteer Association, established in August 2013, has grown to become one of the biggest public welfare organizations in Rudong. To date, it has launched 12 regular voluntary programs to help the elderly and children in need.

Zhang Jian, head of the association, explained that it helps 50,000 people annually, with its oldest volunteer aged 66.

According to the local government, in recent years Rudong has established 326 voluntary service stations, bringing together over 30 organizations working like the Jianghai Volunteer Association.

The county has also launched an online platform to publish voluntary programs, encouraging more local people to engage in the voluntary activities.

After many years of efforts in promoting the Lei Feng Spirit, Rudong has seen many of its citizens honored for their goodwill in Jiangsu province.

Volunteers clean at a residential community in Rudong, March 5. [Photo/rdxmt.com]

Volunteers hand out emergency manual in Rudong, March 5. [Photo/rdxmt.com]