Osan shares holiday spirit with Korean orphans

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Chad Thompson
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  More than 100 volunteers put together an unforgettable Christmas experience for about 60 children and foster parents of the Pearl S. Buck Foundation-Korea at the Osan Middle School, Dec. 10, 2011.

The Pearl S. Buck Foundation was established to raise the awareness of children in Korea who are ethnically mixed and undergo hardships because of the circumstances of their birth and their lives, according to the Foundation's official website.

The Christmas party, sponsored by the 51st Fighter Wing Chapel, involved lunch, crafts, games and gifts. All the volunteers worked together to bring Christmas to these less-fortunate children.

Many Osan members contributed to the cause by purchasing and donating gifts and items that were on an "Angel Tree" in the chapel.

Emilee Davis, account manager of the chapel, said there were three different types of gifts donated: toys, toiletries and school supplies. The items were bought and donated according to the needs and ages identified by the Pearl S. Buck staff.

During the party each volunteer was paired with a child, which allowed everyone a lot of time to enjoy the afternoon.

"I really enjoyed interacting with the child (I sponsored). She taught me Korean, and we practiced her English," said Senior Master Sgt. Sharon Koenigstein, 51st Logistics Readiness Squadron. "I think these kids deserve all the gifts in the world because they're orphans."

Even though many of these children have never experienced a true Christmas, they still lit up as the presents were handed out.

"The best part was seeing his face light up," said Airman 1st Class Collin Key, 51st Security Forces Squadron. "I felt really good about (volunteering)."

In addition to being treated to lunch, the children had a chance to play games to win candy, and they enjoyed many other activities. While the children were playing, the staff and foster parents got a chance to shop for clothes that were donated by the Osan community.

Some other members of the 51st Fighter Wing staff took things a step further and visited an orphanage that was unable to attend the party.

About 15 volunteers from different wing staff organizations took toys and clothes to 26 children at the Lira Orphanage.

Tech. Sgt. Jazika Levario, 51st Fighter Wing Judge Advocate office, coordinated the JA donations and visit.

"Our office heard what the chapel was doing and wanted to help out," she said. "I've wanted to take advantage of the orphanage trips and thought this was a great opportunity."

A caravan of four cars traveled about 35 minutes to reach the orphanage. As the presents were taken from the car trunks, the children at the orphanage filled a small eating area.

The presents were handed out and each child carefully opened their gifts -- some almost peeking into the packages with amazement that they were having a Christmas.

Once the gifts were open, each volunteer played with the children. Some Airmen were helping put together toys, while others helped figure out how the toys worked.

Wrapping paper covered the floor as the children played, smiled and enjoyed the gracious time these volunteers shared with them.

For more information on the foundation, visit http://www.pearlsbuck.or.kr/eng/databank/pearlsbuck.html.