Douglas Kim

KCI Volunteer

PROFILE:
Douglas is a NJ/Philadephia native that moved out here 13 years ago. His wife, Sharon, and he are raising their two young children (현빈 and 혜빈) out in the Sunset. When he is not working or playing with his kids, he tries to spend his free time surfing.

How has the coronavirus pandemic affected your life?

It has been difficult having two young kids at home and having two parents who work full-time, but we are thankful that we’re in a position to continue to work.

What motivated you to volunteer for the Senior Meal Delivery Program?

I think knowing that our elderly are often overlooked and not well taken care of in America, and seeing that KCI was doing something to provide for the Korean community made me to want to help. It was the least I could do since I had time and a car.

Have you been involved with the Korean community or other Korean organizations before?

We have been trying to get our son into the Korean immersion program at Claire Lillienthal since he was born, and he just completed his first year as a kindergartner. It is important to us that our kids are connected to their heritage, so I’m glad that they will be learning Korean in their main schooling.

How has your experience been so far volunteering with KCI?

It’s been a blessing to connect with the Korean community and hopefully bring a smile to the elderly, who aren’t able to get out and do their usual routine. I also bring my kids sometimes so they understand that it is important to look after our Korean elderly like we would for our own grandma and grandpa.

Having been able to do the same delivery route each time has allowed us to see the same faces and grow a familiarity in our short conversations which allows for a level of comfort with the seniors. It is nice to see those faces each week and ask how they are doing.

Do you see any needs in the Korean community that you feel should be addressed?

Our community in San Francisco is so small. I did not grow up here so I may have a different view, but it seems there needs to be more promotion of the Korean community here. It seems very dispersed and disconnected.