Liu Jianjun (right) helps a resident put on a mask in Changchun, Jilin province, on Jan 31. [Photo/China Daily]

After most Chinese people canceled their traditional celebrations and stayed home to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, Liu Jianjun seems much busier than usual.

Between Jan 28 and Feb 1, Liu, who runs a barber shop in Changchun, Jilin province, has distributed more than 3,000 face masks and dozens of bottles of disinfectant in urban areas of the city.

"Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus pneumonia, the government has urged people to stay home, so I stopped my business immediately and seldom went out," he said. "However, when I got more information about the serious conditions via TV news and internet, I thought I had to do something."

In fact, Liu has been doing volunteer work for more than 25 years and now is head of a volunteer team of more than 2,000 members.

On Jan 26, Liu called on his team to make donations to local citizens who have suffered from a shortage of protective equipment and disinfectant products.

"My team gave me great support," he said. "Only several hours later, they donated 500 face masks and 13 bottles of disinfectant, all of which were from their private supplies."

"As ordinary people, we can't go to the front line, but we hope to make some contributions to society," he told China Daily.

To help the donors avoid going out, Liu spent a day visiting their homes around the city to collect all the donations himself.

At the same time, he tried every possible way to purchase materials.

"I asked all my relatives and friends to help me," he said. "Fortunately, several drug companies gave me some support when they learned about my purpose."

In the few days between Jan 26 and Feb 1, Liu had spent about 5,000 yuan ($712) purchasing more than 2,000 face masks, 200 thermometers, 1,200 pairs of disposable gloves and 33 bottles of disinfectant.

Despite the cold weather, once he got some face masks, he would go to a bus stop and distribute one or two to those who were not wearing any.

"People in such public areas need to pay more attention," he said. "Protecting ourselves well is the best protection for the whole society."

"I also reserved some of the face masks, disinfectant and disposable gloves for sanitation workers, deliverymen and food delivery drivers," he said. "Those who have to work outside need more protection."