[The Korean Times 2021-08-31]

Maeng Joo-wan, general affairs director of Far East Broadcasting Company Korea (FEBC-Korea) delivers charity gifts to Kim Eun-ja, head of the Korean Red Cross’s volunteer group in North Chungcheong Province at the National Human Resources Development Institute in Jincheon-gun, North Chungcheong Province, Monday, where 390 Afghans, who were airlifted under Korea’s evacuation mission named “Operation Miracle,” are staying. Courtesy of FEBC-Korea

By Park Ji-won

Far East Broadcasting Company Korea (FEBC-Korea), a Christian radio network, donated 150 million won ($129,371) worth of goods on Sunday for 390 Afghans who were airlifted under Korea’s evacuation mission named “Operation Miracle.”

As the Afghan evacuees arrived in Korea on Aug. 26, FEBC-Korea, founded by Christian missionaries from the U.S., started reaching out to various companies asking for cooperation in gathering charity items and was able to collect 10 tons of relief goods from up to 23 companies, including Lotte Food, Lotte Confectionery, E-Mart and Dongwon Group. Each box of relief goods includes up to 49 items such as halal food, face masks, clothes and diapers. The radio station said it was able to gather the goods within one day.

Dr. Billy Kim, chairman of FEBC-Korea, stressed that the radio network decided to provide the aid to show compassion and serve as a member of a country that was able to survive due to crucial support from others following the Korean War.

“I hoped that we could contribute to healing the wounded souls of those who were forced to leave home. So we have prepared the most needed items for them. As a person who experienced a war and studied in the U.S. with support from the U.S. Forces during the Korean War, I was not able to ignore the eyes of the evacuees’ children. They reminded me of the tough times due to the war when I was young and made me take action for them. I hope they can settle well here,” Dr. Billy Kim, chairman of FEBC-Korea wrote in a press release, Monday.

Staff of Far East Broadcasting Company Korea (FEBC-Korea) and Red Cross Korea move boxes of charity items for 390 Afghans who were airlifted under Korea’s evacuation mission named “Operation Miracle” at the National Human Resources Development Institute in Jincheon-gun, North Chungcheong Province, Monday. Courtesy of FEBC-Korea

/ jwpark@koreatimes.co.kr