Two orphaned brothers from Chengmai, Hainan province, received more than 30,000 yuan (US$4,482) in donations after a local newspaper published a story about their plight recently.

The two boys, now 15 and 13, have stared calamity in the face ever since their mother committed suicide nine years ago, just a year after their father died.

The Fourth Construction Company of Hainan donated 20,000 yuan to the boys, and assured them of further financial assistance.

Another well-to-do resident has offered to pay for the boys' education.

A local middle school has admitted the boys without charge and promised them transportation and meal subsidies.