COVID-19 has affected the number of volunteers, hours of operation, food distribution hours, and other programs at most Adventist Community Services (ACS) locations in North America. This is the reality at the Northeastern Conference (NEC) ACS Center.

As a result of school closings in New York City, the Queens Center for Progress was closed, reducing the number of volunteers; volunteers who were instrumental in carrying out the daily activities at the center. Fortunately, other volunteers from the community stepped in to assist with services which could be modified to continue within social distancing requirements.

The food distribution style was changed from “clients choice” to pre-packed grab-and-go grocery bags. The hours of operation have changed from four days per week to two days; however, they have extended the food distribution hours to accommodate the reduction in the number of people allowed to be served at a time. On April 29, 2020, the NEC ACS Center served 375 families.

“The line of masked folks wrapped around several city blocks as social distancing was practiced,” said one voluteer. “People have stood in line for up to four hours at some places to receive their supplies, but they are so appreciative to be able to get needed groceries.” 

Some statistics from recent activity at the Center:

• In March 2020, NEC ACS distributed 1,304 bags of groceries and served 2,853 people (1,547 Adults, 452 seniors, and 854 children).

• In April 2020, the Center distributed 2,006 bags of groceries and served 4,832 people (2,845 adults, 446 seniors, and 1,541 children).

The Center has been able to serve community members from Corona, East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Flushing, Astoria, Woodside, Elmhurst, Whitestone, Rosedale, Richmond Hills, and Westbury. Five volunteers from the community have served with the food distribution. The Center is thankful for their service, and is especially grateful to six additional volunteers who assisted from the following Adventist churches: Corona, Ephesus, Silo French, and Queens Spanish.

In addition to assistance from the North American Division ACS, funding was received from Food Bank for NYC, NYC Human Resources Administration, United Way of New York City, and individual donors.

Safety Measures, and Continuing Needs

Safety measures have been put in place at the Center, with all volunteers given gloves, hand sanitizer, and N95 masks. Volunteers are thoroughly informed of the health guidelines from the Food Bank for NYC and NYC mayor's office, and are actively practicing social distancing and hand washing. Each client is asked to use hand sanitizer, which is placed throughout the facility.

Church members across the division can help the Center with prayer. For local churches and members, monetary or in-kind donations of hand sanitizer, gloves, masks (N95), cleaning supplies, and fresh produce are appreciated.

Northeastern Conference Adventist Community Center is located in Corona, New York. For more information, contact Dr. Keicha Gosling, NEC ACS executive director, by email at necacscenter(at)gmail.com or acscenter@northeastern.org.

This article was originally published on the North American Division’s news site