Our work
Holiday
Parties
Every year, we host Christmas parties by sponsoring gifts, meals, and activities at three KKOOM-supported children’s homes in the Gyeongsangbuk-do region
Opportunity Gaps
Many youth in Korea’s social welfare system forgo higher education due to financial burdens. Private academies (hagwons) are widely attended by those who can afford them, further widening the education gap and making academic competition even tougher.
How We Make Christmas Special
Our Holiday parties are an annual tradition that has become one of the most anticipated events of the year for the children. While it varies year-to-year, here are some of our favorite activities.
Gingerbread House Competition
While not a traditional Korean holiday activity, the children have embraced gingerbread house decorating as a friendly competition, making it one of the highlights of the celebration. KKOOM provides all the supplies, and every year, their creativity and teamwork shine through in their incredible designs.
Talent Show
Another favorite holiday tradition is the talent show, where children showcase their hard work and talents. Whether it’s singing, jump roping, or playing instruments and drums, they take pride in sharing their skills with their friends and caretakers.
Holiday Activities
Our volunteers help set up a variety of activity stations for a fun-filled holiday afternoon. These have evolved over the years but typically include face painting, nail decorating, cookie decorating, and a Polaroid holiday themed photo booth.
“It wasn’t until I volunteered the second time that I understood how much joy the Christmas party brought to the children. My time volunteering taught me the importance of traditions for the children and how spending just a little bit of time can bring such big smiles to the faces of the children.”
- HEEJAE
- 2019 KKOOM Christmas Fulbright Volunteer
Surprise From Santa
For over 20 years, KKOOM has sponsored wish list gifts for the 150 children at our three supported children’s homes. During the Christmas party, Santa makes a special appearance to deliver the gifts.
Holiday Dinner
The festivities often conclude with a shared holiday meal, bringing together the entire children’s home, KKOOM staff and volunteers for a warm wrap-up to a joyful day.
What Your Support Makes Possible
238
In 2018, we delivered 238 letters from 17 countries to children at our holiday parties as part of the BTS One In An ARMY #DreamWithJungkook Letter Campaign.
1,600+
Since 2004, KKOOM has sponsored over 1,600 wish list items for hundreds of children every holiday season.
$30,412
On the first day of our 2023 Holiday Campaign, we raised over $30,412—the most we’ve ever raised in a single day—to fund all holiday party activities and gifts.
Ways You Can Support
We currently partner exclusively with Fulbright volunteers, but we always welcome donations to support our holiday parties. You can help sponsor a meal or activity—or give a child a special gift for $50.
As the holiday season approaches, follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter for more ways to get involved!