Zhou Jinglu/Shanghai Daily news

Neighborhood hero says she will never stop helping those in need

Meng Haimei has been the secretary of a neighborhood committee in Jiangwan residential area, Yangpu District, for more than five years.
However, she is by no means an ordinary secretary.
In Meng's office, there are seven silk banners hanging on the walls. These have been awarded to Meng for the unconditional assistance she has given to needy people in the district.
Meng's warm heart and gentle patience shine through her. The 49 year old has a soft voice and a constant smile when she talks to people. She claims this is an important quality in her work. It has also contributed to the trust that she receives from residents of the area
From 1992 to 2000, Meng worked at the Shanghai Glass Machinery Co Ltd as the product inspector. She then had to find another job because the company went bankrupt.
"At that time, a selection for the neighborhood community of the residential district had just begun, so I went to have a try. After several days, I was told that I had been selected as the secretary," she said with her characteristic smile.
"I was so excited! I didn't know what to say and what to do when I heard the news," Meng said.
But things did not go as well as she had expected.
The responsibility of the community secretary is to manage some of the daily affairs of residents, such as helping poor children attend school, helping the elderly that live alone, looking after the disabled and improving the environment of the district.
The committee has only eight members, who have to concern themselves with anything and everything to do with 5,000 residents stretched more than 300,000 square meters.
Meng quickly realized the difficulty she faced.
However, Meng quickly adapted to her new role. Caring for the elderly and disabled began taking up a lot of her time.
Now, every weekend and during holiday periods, Meng visits most of these residents.
One person Meng spent a lot of time with was Zheng Wenwen. Zheng is a 16-year-old girl who suffers from cerebral palsy. Her family has spent a great deal of money on treatment and were unable to afford her tuition.
Meng encouraged Zheng to practice reading and writing and with her efforts, Zheng's tuition is now assisted by Hualian Supermarket Group.
Through Meng's help, Zheng has been able to further her studies and in September, Zheng received the highest score in her middle school for the graduation exams.
Contributing to amazing stories such as this has left Meng with very little time of her own.
However, most residents now look at Meng as an invaluable friend to be turned to for help with decision making, or just simple assistance.
Meng usually deals with all requests for help from residents. However, some of her relatives complain that Meng now has no time for them.
Yet Meng doesn't sound like she intends to stop helping residents any time soon.
"I like this job very much. I feel satisfied when I help with a problem and see people smiling. We are just like a family," Meng said proudly. Meng insists that she will devote herself to helping others for a long time, even after she retires.