Volunteer 'children' help elderly feel part of a family

The volunteers are not all youngsters. The term "shared children" is more of an expression of affection rather than a reference to age. Last year, Fan Fawen, a retired train driver, signed up to support the volunteer team in its work. He often helps to repair household appliances in elderly people's homes and buys them fruit and vegetables, as well as carrying heavy stuff, like rice sacks, upstairs.

"They also give me homemade pickles and pastries. I can feel their warmth, which in turn encourages me to help them more," Fan says.

Liu Chunyan, 41, is also among the volunteers. "Many elderly citizens now live alone and feel lonely, so we should keep them company and chat with them more often. Sometimes what they really need is not a helper, but somebody to talk to," Liu says.

Chen Desheng, an 88-year-old resident in the community, is among the empty nesters who have benefited from the system. "The volunteers are familiar with the situation of every household. When some elderly residents have problems, such as a water leak, the volunteers help coordinate the maintenance effort and get the problem solved promptly. When we are bored, it's nice to have them to chat with," says Chen.

Hao Guoying, secretary of the community's Party branch, says that the "Shared Children" service has brought the elderly empty nesters a sense of kinship, while the volunteers get some exercise, and it further promotes an atmosphere of respecting and caring for the elderly.

"More people are now starting to learn about the team. Some college students also want to join in the campaign during weekends and holidays. We believe that more people will join us in the future," says Hao.