An old man searches through garbage bins on the street every day, but donates all the money he earns from scavenging.
By reporters Gaofei and Liyingqiang / Written by Zhang Yalin / Photographed
Holding an iron hook in one hand and a nylon bag in the other, on the afternoon of Xijie Street yesterday, there was an elderly woman around 60 years old carefully rummaging through a garbage can. In the eyes of passersby, she is an unremarkable scavenger, but in reality, her family's circumstances are quite good. Her name is Jin Li, she is 57 years old this year, and with her husband's retirement pension alone, they earn over 5000 yuan per month. Why does the elderly woman still go out to pick up garbage on the streets?
Two years of picking garbage, not keeping a single cent
"A full kilogram of these can be sold for five mao." At around 1 PM yesterday, after eating lunch and resting briefly, Jin Li went out. A yellow nylon bag in one hand, and the other holding a homemade iron hook. For two years, Jin Li has been walking through alleys every day, knowing exactly where there are garbage piles, which garbage pile has more "treasures," and where sells recyclables at higher prices. However, she hasn't kept a single penny from selling these items.
"All donated." Jin Li said with a smile, "Every time I see news about donations on TV or newspapers, I would contribute three to five hundred yuan."
On the 21st, the elderly woman sent 10 badminton rackets, 2 table tennis paddles, and a skipping rope to Shijiazhuang Qizhi School. These items were scavenged from garbage heaps. Hearing that the special education school lacked sports equipment, she brought these "treasures" over.
Spending 200 yuan monthly on living expenses, yet generous when it comes to donations
Jin Li is a retired worker from a textile machinery factory. Her husband is a retired teacher. The couple has lived in the Ershiyi Zhong School dormitory for over 20 years, earning over 5000 yuan monthly in retirement pensions. "Our household income is sufficient, but she insists on going out to scavenge," said Mr. Li, Jin Li's husband. "We support her in showing love, but scavenging isn't very hygienic."
Mr. Li said he had tried to persuade her countless times, but his wife wouldn't listen, so he stopped saying anything. "She has her own ideas, our words are useless."
"What's wrong with this? It's both exercise and a way to raise more money for those in need. I think it's better than staying at home doing nothing," said Jin Li. She retired in 1995 and is very frugal in her lifestyle. "Now, 200 yuan a month is enough for my living expenses." But when it comes to donating, she is very generous.
Neighbor Ms. Li said she often sees the elderly woman carrying a nylon bag scavenging. "I initially misunderstood her. Her family isn't short of money, why does she pick up garbage every day? I thought she was stingy, but later I found out she uses this money to donate, so I really admire her."
The first time she picked up garbage, she was also "afraid of losing face"
Why doesn't she enjoy her well-deserved leisure time and instead insist on scavenging? Originally, Jin Li suffered from epilepsy due to a fall at the age of three. Years of pain have made her empathize with other disadvantaged groups, so whenever she has the ability, she tries to help others.
From when she started working until now, she has lost count of how many times she has donated and who she has donated to. "Even though I am old, I want to continue donating in my own way."
Recalling her first experience of picking up garbage, Jin Li couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh. "At the time, I was a little afraid of losing face, hiding in a corner, waiting until no one was around, then quickly digging into the garbage heap a few times before hiding again." The elderly woman said that now she is very calm. Whenever she encounters a garbage can on the street, she will take a look, and if she sees any waste paper on the ground, she will quickly pick it up and put it in the nylon bag.
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