On December 1, as the full onset of winter cold was felt, a total of 25 participants—including 11 POSCO Vision Scholarship undergraduate students from Korea, 6 international graduate students from the POSCO Global Scholarship Program, and 8 staff members of the POSCO TJ Park Foundation—took part in the “Warm Winter Briquette Volunteer Activity” in the Jeongneung-dong area of Seongbuk-gu. Although the day was chilly with crisp winter air, the faces of the participants were filled with warmth and anticipation for helping their neighbors.

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This volunteer activity was organized to help low-income households in the Jeongneung-dong area that rely on coal briquettes stay warm during the winter. A total of 1,600 briquettes were donated, with some delivered directly to individual homes. Before beginning the work, participants carefully prepared by wearing raincoats, arm covers, masks, and gloves, ensuring safety and hygiene so that the volunteer work could proceed smoothly despite the cold weather.

 

 

As the briquette delivery began in earnest, participants lined up in long rows along narrow alleyways, passing the heavy briquettes from hand to hand. Repeatedly carrying the weighty briquettes was far from easy, but no one complained; instead, participants quietly encouraged one another and remained dedicated throughout the activity. In front of each home, the briquettes were neatly stacked and organized with care, showing thoughtful consideration so that elderly residents could use them safely and conveniently.

 

 

More than a simple act of giving, this volunteer activity was a meaningful opportunity for domestic and international scholarship recipients and foundation staff to come together and work as one. Participants from diverse backgrounds and academic fields moved toward a shared goal, naturally growing closer while experiencing a sense of fulfillment and belonging. The scholars shared their reflections, saying, “Working together and sweating side by side made me truly feel a sense of belonging as a POSCO TJ Park Foundation scholar,” and “Even though it was a small action, it was deeply rewarding to know that it could make someone’s winter warmer.”

 

 

The POSCO TJ Park Foundation will continue to provide various social contribution activities so that its scholars can practice the values of social responsibility and sharing, going beyond learning and personal growth. It is hoped that this briquette volunteer activity, carried out on a cold winter day, will remain as a source of warmth for the local community and a memorable experience for all who participated.