Donating Hard-Earned Savings Collected from Wastepaper
"I Want to Give Back the Help I Received"
In the chilly winds of early winter, the warm act of sharing by an elderly resident who collects wastepaper for a living in Seonggeon-dong, Gyeongju City, has deeply moved the local community.
On December 28, Gyeongju City announced that an elderly resident of Seonggeon-dong had donated 300,000 won, asking that it be used to help neighbors in need during the year-end and New Year season.
Residents of Seonggeon-dong are making a commemorative photo with the staff of Seonggeon-dong Administrative Welfare Center after donating 300,000 won to the "Hope 2026 Sharing Campaign." Provided by Gyeongju City
This is not the first time this resident has donated.
Back in April, the same elderly individual made headlines by donating 103,830 won, which had been carefully collected from gathering wastepaper, to help neighbors affected by wildfires.
The sincerity shown at that time has once again found its way to the Seonggeon-dong Administrative Welfare Center this winter.
According to Gyeongju City, the elderly resident is currently suffering from diabetes and unspecified necrotizing vasculopathy, and is not in good health.
Nevertheless, the resident said, "I wanted to give back even a little of the help I have received," as they took out a white envelope containing 300,000 won from their pocket.
The resident shared, "Even if my body is a little weary, if this donation can provide someone with a warm meal or a cozy room, that is enough for me," expressing their feelings calmly.
The donated funds will be delivered to vulnerable groups in welfare blind spots within the region through the "Hope 2026 Sharing Campaign" of the Gyeongbuk Community Chest of Korea.
Jang Saeyong, head of Seonggeon-dong, said, "I express my deep respect and gratitude for the resident's heartfelt generosity, which has continued since last spring," and added, "We will take responsibility to ensure that this precious gift is fully delivered to those who truly need it."
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