Strolling through a university campus in Fuzhou, Fujian province, Tsai Yu-chin from Taiwan tightly held the hand of a local primary school boy whose parents both live with visual impairments. Beside them, Tsai's junior high son joined in, laughing and chatting with the young boy.

For the young guest, who rarely has the opportunity to travel outside his immediate neighborhood, every corner of the campus — from the university history museum to the student dining hall — was a wonder to explore.

This campus day trip was organized by Tsai to fulfill a personal wish for the boy. Her efforts represent just one of many regular companionships forged by a unique cross-Strait volunteer group of "mothers" from both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

The volunteer team brings together around 30 Fuzhou and Taiwan volunteers. Through regular companionship, educational trips and charitable activities, the team has become a warm support system for underprivileged youth.

The heart of the operation is the Sunny Children's Welfare Library in Chengmen village, an underdeveloped suburban neighborhood on the outskirts of Fuzhou built in 2022.

Lin Qinyan, a local social worker, envisioned creating a quality reading environment for children who lack family care in the area. A prominent Taiwan-funded milk tea chain operating in the Chinese mainland became the project's earliest partner, providing essential funding and hands-on renovation assistance. From that initial library base, a dedicated cross-Strait volunteer network gradually expanded to support children from low-income families.

Lin and her fellow social workers match compassionate volunteers with vulnerable children for one-on-one, long-term mentorship.

Tsai, who is also head of the women's committee of the Fuzhou Taiwan Entrepreneur Association, joined the program last August. Her involvement quickly shifted from delivering custom study desks to disadvantaged households to providing deep, personal companionship.

Moved by the children's resilience, Tsai rallied 15 members from the Fuzhou Taiwan Entrepreneur Association in Fuzhou to join the volunteer ranks.

Ahead of International Children's Day on June 1, the network collected and published over 100 modest holiday wishes from vulnerable children, ranging from badminton rackets and sneakers, to scarves and storybooks.

Cross-Strait individuals and businesses claimed every single wish shortly after the list was released."Donors purchase these gifts themselves based on the price guidelines we provide, and volunteers specially deliver them to the children's homes," said Huang Shan, a local social worker.

"These wishes, coming from underprivileged children across Fuzhou, are all very simple. Once, a child in a remote area just wished to eat a hamburger," she added.

"Some parents even encourage their own children to use their pocket money to buy gifts for these families in need," Huang said.

The library has since blossomed into a weekend haven. At a recent pre-Children's Day gathering, around 20 children of local gig-economy workers and distressed families gathered to play games. Guided by the social workers and volunteer "mothers", the children painted creative name plaques to share on stage and participated in interactive legal safety games to earn school supplies and safety gift packs.

"The children happily accept their 'Taiwan moms'," Tsai said, adding that doing good deeds makes her feel fulfilled, ensuring that care is truly delivered to those in need who require consistent support.

Lin said, "This sustained presence has brought visible, positive changes to the children."

Lin shared the story of a young girl who lost her parents and lives with her grandparents; through the long-term companionship of her dedicated volunteer mentor, she has become significantly more cheerful while maintaining stable academic performance. "These small acts of kindness are like scattered glimmers of light," Lin said. "When we join forces, we build a bridge of love."

Contact the writers at zhangyi1@chinadaily.com.cn