BUSINESSES HELP THE SOCIALLY VULNERABLE

[Anchor Lead]

Next up we have some heart-warming news about businesses lending a helping hand amidst the pandemic and natural disasters.

[Pkg]

Employees of Jeonbuk Bank have raised a fund by donating one percent of their August salaries. The money was delivered to those in need. Usually, such acts of kindness take place at the end of the year. But this year it's different because the economic situation in the nation remains tough due to the pandemic and a series of powerful typhoons.

[Soundbite] LEE JIN-AH(JEONBUK BANK) : “It's just one percent. It's not big money. But it's extremely rewarding to donate that one percent.”

In addition to the bank's employees, its management also donated 50 million won to help residents of Namwon and Sunchang, who bore the brunt of recent floods. Although the economy is struggling, donations keep pouring in. As of August, the number of businesses donating funds to the Community Chest of Korea nearly doubled from the same period last year while the amount of donations surged by 40 percent. Donations have spiked in Gunsan, in particular, where the regional economy has been struggling due to the closures of conglomerates' factories in recent years.

[Soundbite] CHUNG SEO-YEON(JEONBUK COMMUNITY CHEST) : “Although many places are closing in these difficult times, a lot of businesses in Gunsan are donating their help. We have received donations from some 200 new places in Jeonju and Gunsan.”

From an unprecedented pandemic to natural disasters -- it's a difficult time for everyone. Nonetheless, there are people who are willing to lend a helping hand to those who need it the most.