The last month of this year has already arrived. This winter seems to be much colder than the past, but people can be warmed by doing little things for other people. Donating is a really useful and easy method. There are various methods to donate and help other people around us. Simply, when walking along the street or downtown, it is not unusual to see the Salvation Army charity pot. Besides, there are many charities in the world in which people can join by just registering accounts or with talent donations.
How many Postechians are donators? The Postech Times surveyed the donating situation of Postechians. The Postech Times asked them how many times they have donated, how much they donate, and their methods. Forty-one percent of respondents said they are making donations. Most (71%) are making cash donations, followed by those who make service donations (16%). Postechians are donating services more often than they volunteer. Most Postechians are donating more than once a month and the average range of money they give is more than 10,000 but less than 100,000 KRW. Respondents who make cash donations between 200,000 and 500,000 KRW occupied the one-third in the survey. More than half of the respondents are making donations as a good deed rather than because of an obligation.
Postechians make donations in clubs like Da-som, RC Volunteering and Gachi-baeum (learning values). Da-som volunteers in the MARIANE house by cleaning the house and walking around and being a companion to talk with the women there. Also Da-som gathers money from POSTECH students during the semester by holding some events on special days. On Nov. 11 Da-som sold Peperos that the club members made themselves, and last semester they sold handmade red bean sherbet at the Student Union. All profits were contributed to the MARIANE house. Recently, they sold bracelets for a single mother in front of Ji-gok student cafeteria, cooperating with students from HANDONG GLOBAL UNIVERSITY.
RC Volunteering is an organization that gives service donations at a local children center every Friday. In their activities, Postechians’ major knowledge is used to educate children through science experiments. Gachi-baeum also gives service donations by teaching in three middle schools on the outskirts of Pohang. The club does the work both during the semester and during vacation, also holding a science camp for those middle school students in POSTECH twice a year. In addition, on the 9th and 10th floor of RC, several students try to weave hats to protect newborn babies from the cold.
The three organizations and clubs are very active despite their busy academic life. Their fundamental purpose is to share their rich technology or knowledge with other people. The club members truly have a heart to share with others. Many Postechians are donating their money or talents through clubs in POSTECH or by themselves. It seems to happy to discover some many Postechians are donating their time, talents, and money. By trying to share with neighbors, the cold winter can become a warm and valuable time. Postechians’ small steps to sharing can make POSTECH warmer this year than ever before.