Three-month drive runs from Sunday through Feb. 14 next year; 17 collection points set up across the district
QR codes, KakaoTalk and card terminals expand donation options
Special sharing event on Nov. 27 to draw about 200 volunteers and donors
Dongjak-gu in Seoul is stepping up efforts to help vulnerable residents get through the winter.
The district office announced it will run the "2027 Hope Ondol Warm Winter" campaign for three months from Sunday through Feb. 14 next year. This year's fundraising target is 1.4 billion won ($1.05 million) in cash donations and in-kind contributions combined.
The campaign is a public-private partnership involving the Seoul Community Chest of Korea, Dongjak-gu and the Dongjak Welfare Foundation, designed to support low-income and vulnerable residents through the cold months and promote a culture of sharing.
Last year, the campaign exceeded its 1.4 billion won goal, ultimately raising 1.44 billion won. The proceeds funded living expenses and cooling supplies for vulnerable households, as well as tailored welfare projects reflecting neighborhood-specific needs — among them a home-visit tutoring program in Sangdo 1-dong, mosquito trap installations in Sangdo 2-dong, bracelet-making for elderly residents in Sadang 2-dong, and study-cafe vouchers in Sindaebang 2-dong.
This year, the campaign will accept not only cash but also in-kind donations such as rice, kimchi and other food items, as well as daily necessities.
The district will operate 17 collection points at the district office, neighborhood community centers and the Dongjak Welfare Foundation, along with a dedicated bank account. Promotional posters featuring a Dongjak-gu QR code will be distributed to supermarkets, pharmacies, banks and other everyday facilities to encourage residents to participate.
On-site donations via card terminals and online giving through the Seoul Community Chest of Korea's KakaoTalk Plus channel will also be available, broadening access for potential donors.
Donors will receive official receipts and be eligible for tax deductions. Individuals, organizations and companies that contribute above certain thresholds will be recognized with certificates and plaques designating them as "Sharing Leaders," "Sharing Leaders Club" members or "Sharing Excellence Companies," respectively.
Events to build momentum are also planned. On Nov. 20, the district will appoint broadcasters Kim Seon-gyeong and Kang Tae-pung as campaign ambassadors. A special sharing event will follow on Nov. 27, running from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the grand auditorium on the fourth floor of the district office, with about 200 volunteers and donors expected to attend and pledge their commitment to giving.
Dongjak-gu District Mayor Ryu Sam-yeong said small acts of generosity, when they add up, can give struggling neighbors the strength to endure a harsh winter. "We hope many people will join this campaign, and Dongjak-gu will do its utmost to help gather even more warm hearts," Ryu said.
seouldream01@heraldcorp.com
