Wolf Pack donates time, gifts, more to orphanage

  • Published
  • By Capt. Sheryll Klinkel
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The Wolf Pack celebrated the season of giving by hosting a holiday party Dec. 11 for the local Il Mag Won Orphanage.

During the party, volunteers donated gifts to more than 100 children and presented the orphanage with a check for more than $3,000 on behalf of the base.

"The idea of giving and seeing the kids' faces light up warms your heart -- it's what Christmas is about," said Chaplain (Maj.) Timothy Porter, 8th Fighter Wing chaplain. "It's important for us to help those less fortunate, and strengthen the relationship between the wing and our host nation."

The volunteers hosted a day full of events for the children that started with the singing of Christmas carols, followed by Airmen acting out the play "The Night before Christmas."  After the play ended, the volunteers took the children outside to play games that included a bean-bag throwing contest, coin toss, musical chairs, basketball, soccer and more.

"Spending time with caring people is what the kids need," said Tech. Sgt. Peter Rollins, 8th FW Equal Opportunity NCO in charge and event project officer. "They love the hugs and 'high fives,' and I guarantee they get more from the time spent than any other gift they can receive."

Once all the activities concluded, the children were treated to a lunch provided by the wing. Airmen throughout the base prepared and served a plethora of dishes that ranged from Filipino eggrolls to chicken nuggets.

Immediately after lunch, the children were honored with the presence of a "special guest from the North Pole." Their faces lit up with excitement and joy as Santa Claus entered the room to hand out presents that were donated from the base.

Sergeant Rollins said that the generosity of the entire base made it possible for more than 100 children to receive three presents each.

Once the last present was handed out to the children, the base had one more gift for the entire orphanage. Chaplain Porter provided a check for more than $3,000 to David Kim, orphanage director.

The money was collected from donations the chapel received during designated service offerings. Mr. Kim said the money will be used to purchase two new water filtration systems for the orphanage.

Mr. Kim also said that he appreciated everyone coming, especially the military members who act as angels for the children. The children love it when the Airmen come, and they wait for them every week, he said.