Representatives from private enterprises in Tai'an donate bottles of edible oil to people in need. [Photo/my0538.com]

Over 500 private enterprises in Tai'an, East China's Shandong province, had offered donations to help in the fight against the ongoing novel coronavirus epidemic by Feb 12.

The local market supervision administration appealed to private firms to provide medical materials and essential goods to struggling people and areas, including Hubei province, the epicenter of the outbreak. Their donations so far have amounted to over 30 million yuan ($4.3 million).

The Dongping town branch of the Tai'an Association of Private Enterprises donates disinfectant and protective materials to workers fighting on the frontlines. [Photo/my0538.com]

Wu Xiuqiang, manager of Wu's Private Dishes in Taishan district, has donated about 30,000 medical masks to the public. "As a Communist Party member and army veteran, I would like to contribute to the fight," he said.

In addition, the Dongping town branch of the Tai'an Association of Private Enterprises donated disinfectant and protective materials to workers fighting on the frontlines. Zhao Xin, an officer of the association, said he felt honored to do his part in the fight against the epidemic.