On January 30, 2026, the Seoul Church of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus Seoul James Tribe held its first blood donation campaign of the new year at the Korean Red Cross Seoul Eastern Blood Center, continuing its long-standing commitment to life-saving volunteer service.
Despite freezing winter temperatures, a total of 144 people visited the site, and 126 successfully donated blood, contributing directly to efforts to stabilize the local blood supply.
A New Year Campaign Focused on Saving Lives
The campaign was organized as a voluntary initiative led primarily by young members of the Seoul Church, reflecting a continued emphasis on youth-driven community service. Participants gathered throughout the day with the shared goal of practicing life-sharing through blood donation at the start of the year.
Twelve visitors were unable to donate due to health-related factors such as low iron levels or cold symptoms, but many remained on site to participate in other activities and expressed their intention to donate in the future.
Eight Years of Consistent Blood Donation Efforts
According to church representatives, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group has conducted blood donation activities every two months for the past eight years, maintaining steady cooperation with the local blood center.
During the event, Yoo Young-bin, tribe leader of the Seoul James Tribe, met with Park Ki-hong, director of the Seoul Eastern Blood Center, to discuss the importance of sustained collaboration and blood donation awareness.
Yoo explained that the goal of the program is not limited to one-time participation but focuses on building ongoing relationships that provide practical support where it is most needed.
Park expressed appreciation for the church’s continued cooperation, noting that during the COVID-19 period—when blood shortages were particularly severe—the nearby Seoul Church was among the first groups to actively participate in blood donation efforts.
Stories From Participants: From First-Time Courage to Long-Term Commitment
Participants shared a wide range of personal motivations and experiences.
One volunteer in her 20s from Gangdong District shared that she has donated blood more than 30 times since high school, inspired by her mother’s example, and said she was grateful to continue the practice together with others.
Another participant, a woman in her 60s from Ssangmun-dong, described overcoming her fear of needles by focusing on the meaning of saving lives, adding that she hopes to continue donating as long as her health allows.
A participant in her 40s contributed further by donating 27 blood donation certificates, adding to the impact of the day’s efforts.
Environmental Activities for Non-Donors
Visitors who were unable to donate blood took part in an on-site environmental education activity known as the “Mullastic Experience Zone,” which focused on reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainability. Many participants stated that they planned to donate blood at the next opportunity.
Continuing Life-Sharing Volunteer Work in 2026
A representative of the Seoul Church stated that this campaign marked a meaningful starting point for the year, emphasizing respect for life and love for neighbors. The church plans to continue engaging in a variety of volunteer activities throughout 2026, with blood donation remaining a core part of its community service efforts.
Through consistent participation, youth involvement, and cooperation with public institutions, the Seoul James Tribe’s blood donation campaign reflects an ongoing approach to volunteering rooted in continuity rather than one-time action.
Source: https://vo.la/50tGbtr
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