In the Cold Wave, Seongbuk-gu's 'Love Thermometer' Temperature Reaches 60℃...

Kimjang Leads Donations of Briquettes, Daily Necessities, and Rice for Underprivileged Neighbors, Raising the Love Thermometer's Temperature Vigorously and Making Headlines

Seungro Lee, Mayor of Seongbuk-gu, attended the briquette sharing event held in Seongbuk-dong and is carrying briquettes together with volunteers.

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Despite the biting cold wave continuing, the love of Seongbuk-gu residents for their marginalized neighbors remains fervent.

Starting with kimchi-making, donations of briquettes, daily necessities, rice, and more continue to raise the temperature of the Love Thermometer vigorously.

The hottest place is the kimchi-making site. From the beginning of winter, kimchi-sharing events have been held almost daily throughout Seongbuk-gu. Each neighborhood community center, Saemaeul Women's Association, residents' autonomy committee, local social security council, religious groups, volunteer organizations, and schools are carrying on the kimchi relay.

Even with social distancing measures strengthened and only a few volunteers participating, the scale of kimchi-making has actually increased. Official events alone have produced about 10,000 heads of kimchi, gifting a warm winter to some 4,000 households. According to Seongbuk-gu officials, including unofficial events at the alley and individual levels, the total reaches approximately 20,000 heads.

The scene of briquette sharing is also heated. Along with the Korea Peninsula Love Briquette Sharing Movement Headquarters, private companies and organizations willingly joined in sharing briquettes to help those enduring winter. About 80,000 briquettes were delivered to around 300 heating-poor households, filling one side of their walls solidly. Grandmother Hong** (83, Jeongneung 3-dong), who received briquettes, said, “I have to get through winter with briquettes, but recently it was hard to even order or get delivery, so I was sighing a lot. Thanks to the angel-like people, I feel warm and reassured.”

Small business owners in Seongbuk-gu also competed to join the sharing. In addition to electric blankets and heating mats that warmly embrace the loneliness of elderly living alone, they are sharing rice, ramen, and other food items full of warmth. Many restaurants and shops, especially struggling due to COVID-19, are also participating in sharing, creating touching moments. Mr. Park** (61), who has run a small restaurant in Jangwi-dong for 12 years, said, “If we are struggling, elderly people living alone must be having a harder time. We are finding hope together by serving meals or sharing side dishes.”

The mask distribution site is hotter than anywhere else. In the unprecedented situation of the COVID-19 pandemic spread, masks and quarantine supplies filled with the love of companies, sewing cooperatives, and residents have continued to be donated. The masks delivered to Seongbuk-gu residents through 23 donation channels linked with the Community Chest of Korea amount to 120,000 pieces. Ms. Lee** (61), who lost her son and daughter-in-law in an accident and is raising her granddaughter, said, “It didn’t matter to me, but when I couldn’t find masks for my granddaughter, I shed tears of blood. I am teaching my granddaughter not to forget the grace of those who first understood and cared for our situation.”

Seongbuk-gu Mayor Lee Seung-ro also splits his schedule to rush to sharing sites, contributing to raising the temperature of the Love Thermometer. The mayor said, “2020 was the toughest year ever due to COVID-19, but thanks to the members of Seongbuk-gu who looked after and embraced the vulnerable neighbors, we were able to walk steadily without despairing in the crisis. This kind of love is the true strength of Seongbuk-gu, so we will make various efforts to ensure sharing naturally continues in daily life and creates synergy.”

Seongbuk-gu installed the Love Thermometer while launching the Warm Winter Campaign on the 16th of last month. The goal is 1 billion KRW, and the current temperature of the thermometer is 60℃. The remaining 40℃ can be filled by February 15, 2021.

Residents who wish to help neighbors can donate money at reception desks installed in nearby community centers or deposit into the Community Chest of Korea Seongbuk-gu account (Woori Bank 015-176590-13-530, Account Holder: Community Chest of Korea). Donations in kind can be made through the Seongbuk-gu Office Welfare Policy Division and neighborhood community centers.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.