Dear ITF members,

As Taekwon-Do Practitioners, it is rare to hear President Choi talk to a group of people and not discuss some facet of moral culture and / or character development.  To quote his father “Everyone of us, as a social being, desires to live in a free and peaceful society. At the same time, it is our obligation to build such society for the people.”  President Choi continues to encourage this for each of us.  The ITF Taekwon-Do Condensed Encyclopedia states, “Unlike animals fighting over food, a courteous man would offer another man a piece of bread even though both were starving, out of respect and good manners.”   It is in this vein that the ITF is encouraging you to participate in its 3rd Annual Food Drive.  To quote the encyclopedia again “By contributing...to the community, especially to the poor or disabled, the student learns charity, humility, comradeship, tolerance, and a sense of generosity.” It is a valuable lesson which we must be teaching our members. 

The Annual Food Drive is part of our commitment to building a more peaceful world. When we do things individually it makes a very important difference to those it impacts.  What is truly amazing is the effect each small act of kindness can have when we put all our efforts together.  Every country, regardless of economic status, has individuals who are in need. 

This is the third year for the ITF Annual Food Drive.  To date, we have collected and donated over 3,200 meals as well as 40,566 pounds (18,400 kg) of food.  Some schools have donated coats and blankets as well to their local communities. 

Participation in the Food Drive is easy.  Simply have students collect and bring nonperishable food donations to your school throughout the month of October, November, or December. It is recommended to only run the drive for 2-4 weeks in your school.  Longer than that and students tend to dismiss it.  The ITF is running it from October through December as input from participating schools throughout the world has suggested each region has differing opportune times for this type of event and we would like to see schools have the greatest success possible.   

Schools need to keep a tally of the pounds/kilograms of food collected and then donate that food to the local charity of their choice.  In the past, donations have gone to refugees, orphanages, senior living centers, community kitchens, homeless shelters, food banks, churches, and various other charities.   Many of these charities are good places to contact and to help locate groups that accept food donations.  Some areas have national registries and organizations that make it easy to donate.  This is something we all can do.  It is amazing to see what a difference we can make when we all work together toward a common cause, all the while helping those less fortunate than ourselves. 

To participate, please email the total amount of food donated, meals supplied, and/or meals served or delivered to [email protected] by December 30th.  In the email subject line put “ITF 3rd Annual Food Drive.”  In the email, include the totals (designate pounds or kg) from your group, the name of the group, and the country in which the group is located.  We will post the ITF grand total in a follow-up article in January.  Challenging your students or having contest between ranks is a great way to incentivize them to bring in more donations.  Be creative!

Let’s show the entire world that the ITF is a strong organization that cares about its communities and truly does strive to build a more peaceful world.  Let’s show the world we are an organization of actions and not just words.  Remember, even the smallest donation makes a big difference.  Please join us!

Participation is easy:

  1. Select a local charity of your choice. 
  2. Starting in October, begin talking to your students about the importance of giving back to their communities. 
  3. Set up an area in your school and have the students bring in donations. 
  4. Begin to collect the donations from October through December 30th.  Choose the 2-4 weeks that works best for you and your school.   
  5. Add up the amount (weight) of foods donated. (it may be easier to keep a running total and to add up the new items every night or once or twice a week rather than trying to do it all at one time).  Many students like to see their progress on a chart. 
  6. Deliver the donations to the charity you have chosen. 
  7. Before December 30th, send an email to [email protected] indicating the School(s), INO/MO, Country, and the total amount of food(s) collected and donated.  Please include several pictures. 
  8. Indicate who received the donations.  In the past they have gone to refugees, orphanages, senior living centers, community kitchens, homeless shelters, food banks, churches, and various other charities. 

Be part of making President Choi proud and be the one who steps forward to make a difference. 

ITF