Volunteer Activities Like Making Recycled Sock Yarn Cushions Popular in Jongno-gu

Operation of Volunteer Programs Combining Social Issues Such as Resource Recycling and Trash Picking Beyond Simple Participation

Volunteers Making Sock Yarn Cushions

Completed Sock Yarn Cushion

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Jongno-gu (Mayor Kim Young-jong) is attracting attention by operating a volunteer program that incorporates environmental issues, moving away from the traditional simple participation-type volunteer activities.

The aim is to improve civic awareness by sharing and solving social problems through self-participatory volunteer activities.

The program includes making cushions by recycling sock yarn, which is discarded as industrial waste, and "Let's All Pick Up Trash Around Jongno," a walking volunteer activity to pick up litter.

The sock yarn cushions are made using sock yarn discarded as industrial waste. Starting in April, applications were accepted from volunteer groups and individuals, with two groups and 31 individual volunteers participating.

Before Parents' Day on the 8th, volunteers donated about 100 cushions to the Jongno Senior Welfare Center, which will later distribute them to the elderly.

A volunteer who participated in making the cushions said, "This activity was a very meaningful time as I could offer a small help to the elderly around me and also participate in environmental protection."

Additionally, "Let's All Pick Up Trash Around Jongno" is a volunteer activity where participants pick up trash while walking in everyday places such as parks, walking trails, and hiking trails.

Participants can verify their steps and cleaning results using pedometer or walking apps. Volunteer hours are recognized starting from 3,000 steps per hour, and applications are accepted through the 1365 Volunteer Portal until the end of June.

Mayor Kim Young-jong said, "This volunteer program allows us to think about the environment while practicing sharing. I thank the volunteers who participate in this meaningful activity. We will continue to plan more substantial volunteer programs and encourage resident participation."

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