’Tis the Season for Giving

[성김 대사]

End-of-year holidays and the beginning of the New Year are times of contemplation, of renewal, of resolutions, and very importantly, a time for giving.  Year-round we all try to give what we can to charity.  However, when December and January roll around, we are usually more focused on what we can do for others and dig deeper. 

U.S. Embassy officers are no exception.  We have a long tradition of opening our hearts to those less fortunate.  Recently, American and Korean staff at the Embassy organized various community outreach programs including: The Embassy English Program (EEP), Toys for Tots, weekly orphanage visits, the Teddy Bear Gift Tree, and a winter clothing drive for single mothers. 

Charity cookies for sale and presents to give away!

The Embassy English Program was established in late 2009 as a way for Embassy community members to reach out to North Korean refugee teens attending Hangyeore School in Anseong.  Officers and family members visit the school and act as English teachers and mentors for the students, who range in age from 15 to 24.  The students also visit Seoul and spend time with our volunteers.  There have been two home-stay weekends, during which small groups of students stay with volunteers and experience everyday American home life. 

Annually through the Toys-for-Tots program, Embassy Marines deliver new toys to the children that live at Gyeongdongwon Orphanage in Suwon.  These toys are donated by Embassy employees, both Korean and American.  Understandably, the children are very shy at first when a group of American Marines enters the orphanage, but as the kids catch a glimpse of the toys, everyone instantly becomes close friends. 

In addition, several community members visit the Eastern Social Welfare Society Orphanage weekly to help care for the babies.

The Teddy Bear Gift Tree asks single mothers at the Salvation Army Duri-home to give the Embassy a list of items they need for Christmas.  Embassy employees, both American and Korean, can pick a bear off the tree that contains a mother’s wish.  They then buy that item and we deliver it to the mother and/or child at the Duri-home.

The clothing drive was for Aeranwon, a charity for single mothers.  The first- and second-tour embassy officers gathered and delivered winter clothing and coats for Aeranwon’s single mothers and their children.  One officer told me this story: “In the common area there was one toddler in a wheeled-walker, practicing his steps.  When he saw us, he perked up, taking hesitant steps toward us, then backed up again and again, as if he couldn’t decide if he should meet these newcomers.  It brought both laughter and tears to our eyes, such a moving moment.”

I know these efforts are small scale but I believe they reflect the Embassy community’s sincere desire to share with those in need and are a wonderful way to create lasting friendships and strengthen our people-to-people ties in South Korea.  I am very proud of all Embassy employees who reach out to the local community and try to make a difference, especially all the young officers who remind us “slightly older officers” that we shouldn’t forget to give back. 

We want to do more so please let me know if you have any good ideas on what other activities the Embassy might try.