Unique effort to help the poor and special needs kids

China today has about 55 million people living in deprived areas in the country's remote mountainous areas, besides tens of millions of families who struggle to care for children with special needs.

The numbers who need help prompted the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation to work with clothing brand Uniqlo to set up a special project to help with poverty alleviation and provide care for special children.

The goal is to use the clothing brand's experience and resources to help these people. Together, the foundation and Uniqlo aim in three years to collect 5 million pieces of clothing to help people in need. To reach its goal, the company is contributing 3.88 million yuan to the project. Besides, nearly 500 of its stores nationwide will hold special programs for these children, and invite them to its shops to boost their social interaction.