Yang Zhiwen and Manman (left) tag prices on gadgets for sell. [Photo by Ruan Fan/chinadaily.com.cn]

"We're trying to build a circulation to make full use of the donated items. But I'm not quite sure it would work out okay, as people's perception of value are very different from those in the UK," Yang said.

"It might still take some time before Chinese people consider it normal to buy stuff at secondary stores without feeling ashamed, just like the British."

Yang said there are too many things we can learn from the West, but the consciousness of doing good has to come first.

Manman agrees with Yang. "In fact, charity could be done in so many ways. It doesn't have to come in the form of money, it could be your time devoted to helping people out. Just as professor Yu said, do good things at your convenience, that's the way to go."

During the two hours talking with Fan, there came a dozen donors driving from Tongzhou or faraway areas. All of them had come before, and some of them brought their friends along.

Fan waved goodbye to every one of them, asking them to take care as cars pulled out of the yard.

"Most of the donors who drive here would sort the clothes at home, sparing us a lot of effort. I feel very thankful," Fan said.

Asked how long he will persist, Fan sighed, "I don't know."

"As I said, I can't leave the organization before I find a successor, but you know, young people today can't stand the boredom of working here. Maybe I should find a wife who wants to do charity with me first," Fan laughed.