Anseong City, Gyeonggi Province, announced on July 7 that the total amount of Hometown Love Donations received this year reached over 1 billion won as of the end of June.

Last year, the city surpassed the 1 billion won mark around the end of November, meaning this year's milestone was reached approximately five months earlier.

Anseong City analyzed that the increase in participation in the Hometown Love Donation program was driven by return gifts consisting of local agricultural and livestock products, as well as various designated donation projects.

Currently, the city provides over 120 types of return gifts, including Anseong freshly harvested rice and Grade 1 Anseong-matchum Hanwoo (Korean beef) sets.

The city also allows donors to designate their contributions to three specific support projects: support for Type 1 diabetes patients, safe nighttime transportation for youth, and promoting the adoption of abandoned animals.

Having received 2.7 billion won in donations throughout last year, Anseong City has set a goal of reaching 5 billion won in donations this year.

Anseong Mayor Kim Bo-ra stated, "I sincerely thank all the donors who have sent their warm hearts to the Hometown Love Donation program," adding, "We will continue to identify designated donation projects that provide practical help to the region and develop attractive return gifts."

(Photo: Provided by Anseong City, Yonhap News)