Charity book drive to support students in Laos

Samdong International, a nonprofit organization working on sustainable projects in Southeast Asia, is organizing  multiple events to help support the Xiengkhoung Samdong Friendship School in Saylmon Village, Laos.

The school, built in 2011, has supported the education of hundreds of Laotian students from low-income backgrounds. Currently, the school has a library but no books. Three different events will be held to help collect books and raise money for the school.

A book drive will be held until July 31. There will be two drop off locations -- one at the Create Wellness Center at On the Border in Itaewon and the other at Fat Cat Restaurant in Yongsan. The organization is looking for any new or sparingly used English, French, or Korean books for children aged 5 through 15.

A movie-screening event will be held at the Battered Sole in Itaewon at 8 p.m. on Wednesday to raise funds to buy Lao language books.

On show will be “The Rocket,” an internationally acclaimed film set in Laos, about a boy who builds a giant rocket for a rocket festival in order to prove to those around him that he does not bring bad luck.

Entrance will be 10,000 won per person and all funds will be used to buy Lao language books. Book donations will also be accepted at this event.

There will also be a concert in partnership with the Rotary Club of Seoul on Aug. 8 from 9:30 p.m. at Club Freebird 2. Magna Fall, Les Sales, Post Panic and YES YES will be performing.

After the performances, a party will be held at Deepthrobs with DJs David Eps, Ian L and Mykian.

Guests are encouraged to dress as their favorite literary character in light of the book drive theme. There will be homemade baked sale goodies and a raffle with prizes as well.

Tickets are 10,000 won in advance and 15,000 won at the door. Email jessica.samdong@gmail.com for reservations.

Monetary donations can also be made to Nonghyup Bank, Samdong International: 365-01-168682. Each 3,000 won given will buy a Lao language book. For any inquiries, contact shannon.samdong@gmail.com.

By Moses Kim (myk@heraldcorp.com)