The true spirit of the holidays isn't found in the lights or the decorations, but in the quiet moments of community members coming together to ensure every child feels the warmth of their city. This past December 15, the Korean American Chamber of Commerce (KACC) Houston transformed that spirit into a vibrant reality at Foerster Elementary School in the Houston Independent School District (HISD).

In a massive show of generosity and logistical coordination, KACC Houston presented over 500 presents to students, turning a regular school day into a winter wonderland of joy and surprise.

The Modern-Day North Pole: Jam’n Products

Every great holiday story needs a hero from the North Pole, and for the children at Foerster Elementary, that hero was Jam’n Products. If the holiday season had a headquarters in Houston, it would surely be their warehouse.

To bring an event of this magnitude to life, CEO Mathew Hyun stepped into the role of a modern-day Santa Claus, leading the charge with a heart for the community. But as any legend goes, Santa is only as fast as his workshop is organized. Jennifer and Justine acted as the ultimate "Head Elves," working tirelessly behind the scenes in the weeks leading up to the event. They were the ones pulling the levers and checking the lists, meticulously gathering and organizing hundreds of toys to ensure that no child was forgotten. Their dedication turned a logistical mountain into a seamless delivery of joy, proving that the magic of Christmas is often fueled by hard work and a generous spirit.

A Community Workshop

While Jam’n Products provided the "toys from the workshop," it took a village to prepare them for their big debut. In the week leading up to the event, KACC Houston members and volunteers gathered for several nights, turning their own space into a bustling annex of Santa’s workshop.

The task was daunting: 500 gifts had to be individually wrapped and carefully organized into age and gender groups to ensure every student received something perfect for them. It was a true team effort, defined by the rustle of wrapping paper, the scent of tape, and the shared goal of creating a festive surprise. This massive activity was a testament to the KACC Houston family's ability to mobilize for a good cause.

A Day of Celebration

The atmosphere at Foerster Elementary on the morning of December 15 was electric. The excitement in the air was palpable as students filed into the room to find a sea of colorful packages waiting for them.

The event was graced by the presence of distinguished guests who came to celebrate with the children. U.S. Congressman Al Green and his Deputy Crystal Webster joined us, offering words of encouragement and participating in the distribution. Their presence underscored the importance of community-led initiatives in uplifting our local schools.

Representing the 2026-2027 KACC Houston leadership and board were Ethan Lee (Chairman), Vivienne Kwon (President) ,Casey Kang (fomer President and Chair), Daniel Yoo (Vice President), and Dana Oh (Membership Director). Alongside the KACC administrative staff, these leaders didn't just oversee the event—they were on the ground, handing out gifts and sharing in the children's excitement.

Impact Beyond the Toy: Creating Lasting Memories

This event was about much more than just the gifts themselves; it was about the power of celebration and the strength of community bonds. By bringing this celebration to Foerster Elementary, KACC Houston sought to create a landmark memory for these students—a day where they felt truly seen and celebrated by the leaders of their city.

The smiles on the faces of the students as they tore into the wrapping paper were a powerful reminder of the pure joy that comes from a shared community experience. The energy was shared equally by the teachers and school administrators, who saw their hallways filled with laughter and a renewed sense of school spirit. This day served as a beautiful bridge between the business community and the bright young minds of HISD, fostering a culture of kindness and celebration that will stay with the students long after the holiday season.

Looking Forward

Events like the Foerster Elementary toy giveaway are the heartbeat of KACC Houston. We believe that a vibrant community is one where we all take the time to celebrate one another. As we look back on the success of December 15, we are filled with gratitude for our volunteers, our "Santa and Elves" at Jam’n Products, and the HISD staff who welcomed us with such open arms.

To everyone who wrapped a gift, moved a box, or shared a smile: thank you. You didn’t just deliver toys; you delivered a day of pure magic and a lasting reminder to these 500 children that their community is cheering them on.

-The Korean American Chamber of Commerce of Houston