CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea, August 1, 2026 – The Welcome Partnership Network (WPN) distributed school supplies to about 50 military families and 80 students the first Saturday in August at The Hub, covering roughly 80 percent of each child’s required list and setting aside 10 additional kids for families still arriving to the installation. The event was the first outing of the WPN, a partnership between Rootline Community Initiative and Welcome Wagon of Korea (WWoK).

Nearly all of the supplies were funded by two organizations rooted in the U.S.—Korea military alliance, and who have been long-time supporters of WWoK. The Korea Defense Veterans Association, which recently opened a Humphreys chapter led by Tim Miller, and the Society for Army Alliance-Korea, led by its President, retired Republic of Korea Army Lieutenant General Chun In-bum.

“Last year I reached out to the big supply drives back in the States, but shipping to Korea made it impossible, so our families were left out,” said Naomi Suguitan, Founder and President of Rootline. “So, when Welcome Wagon wanted to put one together through our partnership, we made sure kids walked away with as much of their actual list as possible. As a mom of three, I know supplies can run over a hundred dollars a student, and how much that matters for a lower-enlisted family or one in the middle of a PCS.”

The timing tracks a documented shift. Camp Humphreys, the U.S. military’s largest overseas installation, now counts a command-sponsored family population growing at nearly double the rate of other posts in Korea, with more children and expectant parents arriving each rotation. Many arrive without the local network that makes an overseas transition easier.

The distribution ran as a self-select fair rather than a pre-packed giveaway. Each child walked through a grade and school-specific line with their specific checklist, and chose items matched to what their teachers assigned at Humphreys Central, Humphreys West, and Humphreys Middle and High. With this unique setup, it ensured that children only received what they needed while still giving families and students the opportunity to experience the excitement that comes with selecting school supplies. Eligibility was based on one of three criteria’s being met: a sponsor in the junior enlisted ranks, enrollment in WIC Overseas, or a recent or upcoming arrival to Humphreys. These requirements were designed to route support to families that tend to be hit the hardest by the financial strain of a new school year.

For the families who came, the relief was immediate. “It meant less stress amid an upcoming PCS,” said one parent, Hailee. “We have three school-age children, and we know full well that school expenses add up big time,” said Kearsta. “Today helps us plenty, and knowing our community is here to help us makes our family feel less alone.” Another parent, Kiarah, said the event “helped heal my anxiety about back-to-school prep,” while a newcomer to the installation said simply that it “really meant a lot.”

The Pyeongtaek International Exchange Foundation was on site providing resources to families, alongside one of Rootline’s Circle – Island Roots, and Welcome Wagon of Korea.

Rootline plans to grow the distribution next year and is inviting the community to be part of it. Military families at Humphreys can register for support and newcomer services at rootlinecommunity.org. Community members who want to volunteer or contribute can connect through the same site, and partner organizations, donors, and media can reach Rootline directly at the contact below.

About Rootline Community Initiative: Rootline Community Initiative is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit building peer-led community infrastructure for military-connected families at Camp Humphreys and beyond, spanning the full arc of an overseas tour from before arrival through departure. Learn more at rootlinecommunity.org.