Dantri/DTiNews on October 28 presented a savings book worth VND 139 million (USD 5,305), funded by a second round of reader donations, to Nguyen Thi Lien, 46, of Dong Hai Hamlet, Dan Hai Commune, Ha Tinh Province.
The handover ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Nguyen Thi Ha and Dantri Deputy Editor-in-Chief Nguyen Xuan Toan, alongside local officials.
Lien and her five children were featured in an earlier Dantri article highlighting their struggle to survive in a home without even a bed.
Dantri had previously transferred VND 141.35 million (USD 5,395) in the first round of donations, bringing total reader contributions to VND 280.42 million (USD 10,703).
Speaking at the ceremony, Toan said Dantri, a newspaper under the Ministry of Home Affairs, had carried out numerous charitable initiatives with readers' support over more than 21 years.
These include building 60 classrooms, 32 bridges and roads, and 100 flood-resistant floating houses, as well as organising 44 free medical programmes benefiting nearly 9,200 people and providing 8,855 health insurance cards to disadvantaged students.
Since April 2024, the newspaper has worked with local authorities nationwide to begin construction of 283 charity homes for disadvantaged families, with 273 already completed.
It has also launched fundraising appeals for more than 6,130 families facing severe hardship across Vietnam.
"We hope this support will give Lien's family the strength to overcome their difficulties and build a better life," Toan added.
Tran Quynh Thao, chairman of the Dan Hai Commune People's Committee, thanked the Ministry of Home Affairs, Dantri and its readers for their assistance.
He said local authorities would help the family find suitable livelihood opportunities and ensure the children could continue their education.
Originally from Quang Tri Province, Lien left school after fifth grade and moved south to work in a factory. There, she met Nguyen Van Danh, born in 1973, who had lost both parents at an early age.
The couple settled in Danh's hometown in 2010 and had five children, now aged between six and 15.
Danh worked as a construction labourer while Lien stayed home to care for the children. Their deteriorating house was later replaced with a small home built with local government assistance.
Six years ago, Danh suffered severe injuries and brain damage in a road accident while returning from work, leaving him paralysed and bedridden.
He died in 2023 after years of treatment, leaving Lien to care for their five children alone.
Since then, the family has relied largely on assistance from local authorities and neighbours. When food runs short, the children survive on porridge and instant noodles.
The eldest daughter dropped out of school after completing fifth grade because the family could no longer afford her education. The four younger children also face difficulties attending school.
Duong Thi Danh, secretary of the Dong Hai Hamlet Party cell, said Lien was in poor health, had limited mental capacity and was unable to maintain regular employment.
Local authorities and community organisations have continued to provide support, but the family remains in severe financial hardship.
