Xia Limei, who works in the Songhuajiang community in Nangang district, Harbin, Heilongjiang province, brings newspapers and breakfast every morning to Lu Ruimin, a 60-year–old man who lives alone and has difficulty going outside.

The Songhuajiang community recently established a community volunteer center, providing free help for old empty nesters living in the Feng Zhu, Songhuajiang, Xiaohong and Jianzhu communities. There are many empty nesters in the community who don't live with their adult children and have difficulty going outside.

The service includes:

1. Community directors start work early every day, bringing newspapers and breakfast to the elderly.

2. Workers provide basic services for the elderly. Volunteers can help with the purchase of food, medicine and household goods.

3. Party cadres in the community can also help pay water, power, coal gas and telephone fees for the elderly.