For our 12 Days of KKOOM, we’re sharing the voices of our volunteers and Board members. Their reflections remind us why community matters and how meaningful moments—big and small—can transform a child’s year.
Commitment to Service Taehun's Story
What is your favorite holiday song?
“Frosty the Snowman”
What is the most meaningful gift you’ve ever received, and why?
My mom gifted me a Bible and wrote a letter on the first blank page. It was during a time our family was struggling and my dad was getting surgery in Korea. She was alone but strong and reminded me that God will always have us.
What’s one of your favorite holiday traditions or memories?
Working with my parents at the restaurant.
What does KKOOM’s annual holiday campaign mean to you personally?
It is a moment to remember and reflect the happiness among the craziness.
What’s one memory from a KKOOM event that stands out the most?
The soccer camp and cooking for the boys every morning. One student in particular started cooking with me and I taught him how to make scrambled eggs.
How do you see KKOOM creating long-term change for children in Korea’s social welfare system?
Change is like taking one step into the dark with the intention of a positive outcome. I think KKOOM and its team is steadfast in their mission and purpose. Their commitment to service and the children’s multidimensional needs will be fruitful in the stories that unfold. Each story builds to become a whole book of change.
What hopes do you have for KKOOM’s future and the children we serve?
I hope that we can instill a positive sense of resilience and a love for learning that outshines hardship.
Carve Your Own Path: HeeJae's Story
What is your favorite holiday song?
“Last Christmas” – Wham!
What is the most meaningful gift you’ve ever received, and why?
For me, the most meaningful gift isn’t something material, but the memories I get to create while spending the holidays with my family/ friends. Each year, it’s something I truly look forward to, knowing that we’ll share moments worth cherishing and add another meaningful memory to our lives. Being able to gather together, laugh, catch up on life, and spend that time with one another feels like a gift in itself.
What motivated you to give your time and energy to support KKOOM’s programs?
I was motivated by the team I worked with alongside Leah who was immensely supportive and communicative throughout the whole time. Everyone worked so hard, which inspired me to put my time and energy into the KKOOM programs and look forward to the outcome.
What is your favorite memory from volunteering with KKOOM?
My favorite memory from volunteering at KKOOM was when I first met the girls via the GEM program! Leading up to it, I was not sure what to expect and worried how they would respond to the activities we prepared for that day. However, after seeing them, we had so much fun talking and getting to know each other and they were incredibly attentive and engaged with the activities we prepared. Overall, it was a truly rewarding experience.
If you met the children in person, how has meeting them impacted your perspective on KKOOM’s work? If you haven’t, how do you think KKOOM’s work makes a direct impact on the children’s homes we serve?
Meeting the children at the GEM program allowed me to appreciate KKOOM’s mission and the invaluable opportunity they give to both the children and the volunteers. I first learned about KKOOM through my Fulbright grant and have since worked in the various programs they provide including the grant and research, GEM program, and Events team.
Each opportunity opened a new door for me that allowed me to better understand the amount of dedication behind KKOOM’s work. Through these experiences, I learned to value the importance of behind-the scenes effort that often goes unseen, as well as the impact I, as a volunteer, can make for the children. Thank you for offering such a meaningful and rewarding opportunity to volunteer and be part of KKOOM!
What’s one thing you’ve learned through your volunteer experience?
One thing I learned through my volunteer experience is the value of showing appreciation and gratitude to the people you meet and work with because you may not know when you will see them again and expressing gratitude is an important part of personal growth and building meaningful relationships. During my time with KKOOM, I have met so many amazing people, and I look forward to staying connected with them in the future!
What’s one of your favorite holiday traditions or memories?
One of my favorite holiday traditions is to watch ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ (2000 film) with Jim Carrey as the Grinch every Christmas. Such a classic holiday film!