TEHRAN – Jashn-e Nikoukari (feast of charity), a campaign that is held each year to help financially struggling families address their essential needs, kicked off across the country on Monday.

The event opens annually a few days before the Iranian New Year, which starts usually on March 21, and lasts for three days soliciting contributions to help those underprivileged who can barely afford a living.

The event also aims to encourage humanitarian efforts and altruistic behaviors among the public.

Many people refer to schools and mosques to provide deprived families with cash handouts, commodities, or clothes. Some 8,000 charities also contribute to holding the feast of charity.

Such charity events would certainly encourage altruistic behaviors and generosity in society. Particularly encouraging the youngsters to practice giving even though this brings no advantage to them would result in bringing up a caring generation.

MG