BEIJING, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- China will select and honor its best volunteers in a bid to encourage the public to perform more volunteer services, according to a notice released by central authorities.

A total of 100 volunteers, 100 volunteer organizations, 100 volunteer projects and 100 neighborhoods providing volunteer services will be selected.

The annual event, first launched in 2015, has upheld volunteer role models and shared the good practices of organizations and individuals.

The event calls on the public to learn from the spirit of Lei Feng, a soldier who was known for selflessly devoting his time and money to those in need. Lei died in an accident in 1962 at the age of 22.

Lei was made a national hero after Chairman Mao Zedong called on the whole nation to "learn from Comrade Lei Feng" in 1963.