The 6^th “Angel Day Hope Sharing Festival,” hosted by Beautiful Companionship Incheon – Sharing and Serving (led by Kang Byung-in), one of the region’s representative volunteer organizations, was successfully held on October 11 at the Bupyeong District Office’s lawn plaza and 7^th-floor auditorium.

“Welcome! Please take your time and enjoy your meal!” Guided warmly by cheerful volunteers, the seniors entered hesitantly at first but soon smiled with comfort.

Reporter: Kim Hye-sook

At the event, free meals of jjajangmyeon (black-bean noodles) made from premium ingredients were served to neighbors in need, while on the 7^th floor, 21 different artistic performances—including traditional percussion, dance, music, and instrumental acts—were held to great acclaim. Souvenir gifts and a prize draw further heightened the festive atmosphere.

Mr. Choi Soon-sik, a senior resident of Bupyeong 1-dong, said, “I haven’t had much of an appetite lately, but I really enjoyed today’s jjajangmyeon. Watching the performances made my day truly happy, as well,” expressing his gratitude several times. The non-profit volunteer group Beautiful Companionship Incheon – Sharing and Serving has been operating a “Sharing Jjajang Truck” for over a decade, offering free meals three to four times a month across Incheon—including at orphanages, senior centers, facilities for the disabled, and youth shelters beyond Bupyeong District. They serve approximately 13,000 bowls of jjajangmyeon annually.

Speaking about the program, Director Kang said, “During my years as a community bank officer, I met many people struggling with hardship. I wondered what I could do for them, and since jjajangmyeon is a dish loved by everyone, regardless of age or gender, I decided to form this volunteer group.”

He added, “There was rain in the forecast, and it did rain in the morning on the day of the event, which made me quite anxious. Fortunately, the rain cleared up just in time for lunch, allowing us to hold the event safely.”

“I hope everyone who attended stays healthy so that we can meet again next year,” he said.

Lastly, Kang expressed his gratitude, saying, “I want to thank all the volunteer organizations that supported and worked with us for this event.”

“I believe volunteering is not about giving but about opening our hearts and practicing love. We welcome new volunteers who wish to share in this spirit,” he added.