Chesapeake Conference's ACS Receives Maryland Award for Pandemic Response

Story by Chesapeake Conference Communication Department

Chesapeake Conference's Adventist Community Services (ACS) was awarded the 2020 Maryland Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster Award for its community service in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The award was presented to Chesapeake's ACS during the annual Maryland Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) meeting in January.

“Thank you, ACS volunteers, ACS local coordinators, Chesapeake pastors and local church boards,” says Ignacio Goya, ACS director for Chesapeake Conference. “Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus.” 

In March 2020, many food pantries closed down because of the pandemic, creating a major need in many communities. Volunteers from Chesapeake Conferenece's ACS immediately began to fill the void by expanding from nine food pantries in operation prior to the pandemic to 31 food pantries operating today. 

In the past year, they have served more than 140,000 families and have distributed more than $12 million dollars worth of personal protective equipment supplies. 

“This award should motivate us to continue serving in moments of crisis and in moments of blue skies,” says Goya. “We have an opportunity to build connections in our neighborhoods, so let us keep going and God will bless. Our goal is that many will see our love and be drawn to Jesus."