Taking Care of Those in Need During Holiday Season On top of the global economic crisis, the cold winter has come to make life harder for those in need. In times like this, Yonseians are busier than ever, delivering fuel for heat, sharing food, volunteering at after-school centers, and providing much needed help in various areas. Yonsei Volunteer Center Opens The Yonsei Volunteer Group was expanded as the Yonsei Volunteer Center on December 2. First established in 2005, the Yonsei Volunteer Group had continued on for three years in conjunction with the community service credit program and volunteer work. Twenty subgroups are being operated with 8,000 faculty and student members. The goal of the group is to nurture a caring spirit and bring together various alumni and parent networks. The group also aims to increase Yonsei’s influence in the community. Although efforts have been limited to the immediate community, it is expected to be expanded into a national network in 2009. In order to make the transition into a comprehensive and united volunteer group, the group was reborn as the Volunteer Center. The Center is affiliated with the Graduate School of Social Welfare. As part of the opening events for the center, the 1st Yonsei Volunteer Work Presentation and the 3rd Volunteer Work Essay and Photograph Contest were held. Department of Economics student Kim Tae-Ho, who was awarded the grand prize in the essay contest, said that his volunteer work helped him truly appreciate everything he had in life and learn the importance of being a member of the community. He characterized true volunteer work as a form of communication where both sides benefit.