Church of God Knowledge Encyclopedia

The Church of God Honored With The President’s Volunteer Service Award From the USA

The President's Volunteer Service Award presented to the Church of God by three presidential administrations in the United States
The President's Volunteer Service Award presented to the Church of God by three presidential administrations in the United States

The Church of God has been awarded The President’s Volunteer Service Award from three presidential administrations in the United States—Presidents Joe Biden, Donald Trump, and Barack Obama. It is the most prestigious service award given to individuals or organizations dedicated to the community in the United States. Up until September 2022, the Church of God has received The President’s Volunteer Service Award 52 times since it was awarded the Gold Award (best group award) and the Lifetime Achievement Award (best individual award) by President Barack Obama in 2011.

The members of the Church of God in the U.S. follow the example of Christ’s love by conducting various volunteer activities nationwide. Some activities include hosting blood drives and environmental cleanups, providing support for disaster relief, and visiting nursing homes. Local governments such as Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Charlotte issued proclamations to commemorate the church's contributions.

Introduction of The President’s Volunteer Service Award

  • Purpose of Enactment

The United States, which is called the “land of the free” and the “land of opportunity,” is a nation of various ethnicities from diverse backgrounds and cultures. The spirit of volunteer service is important for them to coexist without conflict and unite as one nation.[1] In 2003, President George W. Bush established The President’s Volunteer Service Award to inspire people to volunteer and commend volunteers for their service. It is considered a prestigious award for volunteer service in the United States.[2]

  • Eligibility Requirements

The President’s Volunteer Service Award is given to individuals or organizations that have made a positive influence on communities and led people around them to take action.[3] However, only sincere volunteer service is counted; any paid activities, religious activities, or court-ordered services are excluded from consideration.[4]

  • Award Levels

The bronze, silver, gold, and Lifetime Achievement awards are awarded according to the number of volunteer hours completed. Groups who have carried out voluntary service for more than 1,000 hours receive the gold medal, the highest group award. The Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honor given to individuals who have served more than 4,000 hours.[5]

List of The President’s Volunteer Service Awards Given to the Church of God

 
The President’s Lifetime Achievement Award in the United States

The presidential administrations of Presidents Joe Biden, Donald Trump, and Barack Obama presented The President’s Volunteer Service Award to the World Mission Society Church of God. They also commended them for their continued, devoted, and enthusiastic services. The Church of God has been presented with the Gold Award (52 times), the highest award that can be received as a group, and the Lifetime Achievement Award as well, which is the highest honor for an individual.

  • 2011–2017 (Obama Administration)

In 2011, President Barack Obama presented the Church of God with The President’s Gold Volunteer Service Award and The President’s Lifetime Achievement Award.[6] In his letter of gratitude, President Obama said, “Thank you for your devotion to service and for doing all you can to shape a better tomorrow for our great Nation.”[7] The Church of God received the Gold Awards in 2014 and 2015 for helping its neighbors and communities in many ways.[8]

  • 2017–2021 (Trump Administration)

Between 2017 and 2020, President Donald Trump presented Gold Awards to the Church of God in various regions such as California, Connecticut,[9] Florida,[10] Hawaii,[11] New Jersey, New York,[12] Pennsylvania, for their consistent voluntary service throughout the nation. The Puerto Rico chapters of ASEZ, the Church of God University Student Volunteer Group,[13][14] and ASEZ WAO, the Church of God Young Adult Worker Volunteer Group, also received the Gold Award.[15]

  • 2021 (Biden Administration)

In 2021, President Joe Biden presented the Church of God with the Gold Award and said in his letter of gratitude, “On behalf of the American people, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to you for your volunteer leadership, and I encourage you to continue to answer to call to serve.”[16]

Background of the Church of God’s Volunteer Efforts

The Church of God has repeatedly received the President’s Volunteer Service Award because of its consistent and heartfelt volunteer work. The members have participated in various volunteer services such as emergency relief, blood drives, and environmental cleanups in Washington, D.C., Colorado, California, Connecticut, and more.[17] Through this, they bring hope and contribute to creating a bright and positive atmosphere.

Promoting Well-Being

 
Church of God members in New Windsor, NY, visit the Brookdale Senior Living

The members of the Church of God give a helping hand to every member of society so that no one is left behind. In California, the Church of God in Escondido worked with the San Diego Food Bank to donate 1,000 lbs. (approx. 450 kg) of food for 1,500 people.[18][19] They collected pasta, rice, beans, and canned foods. In 2017, the Church of God in San Diego collected about 3,000 lbs. (1,360 kg) of food in one day and donated it at an event to help military families. A San Diego Food Bank employee expressed his gratitude and said, “It was the biggest donation event I’ve ever seen.”[20] The members of Great Falls, MT, held a fundraising event in partnership with the Great Falls Community Food Bank. They organized various booths, such as face painting, to encourage residents to participate joyfully in helping their neighbors.[21]

The members in Florida participated in the Octo Project, in which they made and donated octopus dolls for premature babies.[22] The members in Meriden, CT, regularly visited nursing homes to bring joy and share their familial love with the elderly through cultural events.[23] Since 2014, the Church of God in Middletown has cleaned yards and streets and removed snow for the elderly. An elderly man who lived in the town for a long time said, “You brought a smile to me and gave me hope for spring. My yard will turn into an elegant garden.”[24]

In addition, the various locations of the Church of God throughout the U.S. donate blankets to children’s hospitals, collect socks for the homeless, donate books, and visit police stations, fire departments, and nursing homes. The church makes every effort to share love with their neighbors in various fields.[25]

Environmental Conservation

 
The 3,846th Worldwide Environmental Cleanup Movement at Peterson National Historical Park, NJ

The members diligently carry out large-scale cleanups in the streets, parks, rivers, and beaches. The activities of the young adult members who will lead the future are also outstanding. In celebration of Earth Day 2021, ASEZ members removed graffiti and planted flower trees in Olmsted Parks Conservancy in Kentucky. They also collected 1 metric ton of trash at Elmwood Park in Bergen County, NJ. In Indianapolis, IN, they cleaned up three kilometers of land and collected 992 lbs. (450 kg) of trash.[26][27] In January 2020, ASEZ WAO members cleaned up the Rillito River in Tucson, AZ,[28] and collected plastic trash on Oakland International Boulevard as part of the No More GPGP Project.[29]

Emergency Relief

 
The Church of God members in the New York area participate in the Community Emergency Response Team [CERT] training

The members have also participated in recovery efforts from tornadoes and hurricanes that occur annually in the United States. In 2012, the Church of God in Denver, CO, drove 20 hours to Henryville, IN, when it was struck by a tornado, and delivered relief goods, and carried out a recovery activity.[30] About 1,300 members in New York State also carried out volunteer service to recover from Hurricane Sandy from October 30 to November 18.[31] In 2017, when Hurricane Harvey hit Texas, 420 members of the Church of God in Houston worked hard to recover the damages for nine days.[32][33]

The members also received professional training to prepare for disasters and respond systematically. In December 2013, more than 1,200 members from the eastern region completed the CERT education program, which was implemented by the government, drawing attention from officials.[34] Community Emergency Response Team [CERT]) refers to volunteer service activists who have been trained in disaster response such as fire safety, search and rescue, and animal relief. Those who receive the CERT certification can quickly approach the victim site under the control of the police, and carry out more important relief activities for the residents in the event of a disaster.

In 2016, 110 members of the Church of God in Washington D.C. also attended the CERT and CPR training.[35] In 2018, members in Boston, Rochester, Buffalo, and Bronx received emergency training as well.[36]

Blood Drives

 
The 795th Worldwide Blood Drive to Give Life Through the Love of the Passover by the Church of God in Dallas, TX

The Church of God in Salt Lake City, UT, which received The President’s Gold and Bronze Volunteer Service Awards in 2017 and 2018, has led a large-scale blood drive in partnership with the Red Cross Society every year. Through the event, 250 pt (approx. 142 L) of blood have been donated annually to help those in need.[37] In September 2018, ABC4, a subsidiary of ABC, one of the three major U.S. broadcasters, invited the members to talk about the importance of volunteer service. The news outlet also highlighted the news of the Salt Lake City Church of God receiving the Presidential Award.[38]

In addition, the Church of God in various regions such as New York, San Francisco, and Phoenix are also contributing to the blood supply for urgent patients.[39] Recently, the 997th Blood Drive to Give Life Through the Love of the Passover was held in Temecula, CA.[40]

Response to COVID-19

 
ASEZ's Hand to Hand Relay (Indianapolis North Region Community Hospital)

After the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of volunteers in the U.S. decreased significantly due to rising inflation and a lack of manpower.[41]

The Church of God closely followed the COVID-19 prevention guidelines, recognized the difficulties in the field, and offered a helping hand. In May and June 2020, when there was an issue with face mask supply and demand as the infection was spreading, members delivered masks and cheerful cards to the California Police Department, Denver City Hall in Colorado, and Honolulu City Hall in Hawaii. ASEZ members prepared handmade masks which touched the hearts of the recipients.[42]

In December of the same year, the Texas members delivered 90 snack kits and handwritten letters to the teachers at Swift Elementary School, expressing their gratitude to them for taking care of the students with enthusiasm even in difficult situations. Principal Bailey Morris said, “Your care will make a big difference. Helping others is not an easy task and it’s a long journey.”[43]

The Church of God is still carrying out cheer relays for medical staff working on the frontline of the pandemic. Members delivered snack packages which included coffee and chocolate and handwritten letters to the intensive care staff at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Pennsylvania.[44][45] In Atlanta, GA, about 100 members collected trash and removed graffiti on behalf of cleaners in quarantine.[46]

See also

Related videos

  • Overseas Volunteer Service 2017

  • People Who Deliver Mother’s Love

  • How to Rescue in the Time of a Disaster?

  • Overcome the Coronavirus with the Church of God!

References

  1. ↑ "[Opinion Square] How America Became a Wealthy Nation". Daejon Ilbo. December 20, 2012.
  2. ↑ Presidential Recognition For Your Volunteers, AmeriCorps
  3. ↑ "About the President's Volunteer Service Award," AmeriCorps
  4. ↑ "Eligibility Requirements," AmeriCorps
  5. ↑ Eligibility Requirements, AmeriCorps
  6. ↑ "The President's Volunteer Service Award". WATV Awards. June 30, 2011.
  7. ↑ "The President's Volunteer Service Award". WATV Awards. June 23, 2015.
  8. ↑ "Church of God Receives Third U.S. Presidential Volunteer Service Award". Kyeonggi Ilbo. July 7, 2015.
  9. ↑ The President’s Volunteer Service Award, World Mission Society Church of God in Connecticut, WATV Awards, December 5, 2018
  10. ↑ The President’s Volunteer Service Award, World Mission Society Church of God in Florida, WATV Awards, December 31, 2019
  11. ↑ The President’s Volunteer Service Award, World Mission Society Church of God in Hawaii, WATV Awards, September 11, 2020
  12. ↑ The President’s Volunteer Service Award, World Mission Society Church of God in New York, WATV Awards, December 31, 2019
  13. ↑ "The President's Volunteer Service Award". WATV Awards. World Mission Society Church of God in Puerto Rico. December 31, 2019.
  14. ↑ "The President's Volunteer Service Award". WATV Awards. December 31, 2019.
  15. ↑ "The President's Volunteer Service Award". WATV Awards. ASEZ WAO. December 31, 2019.
  16. ↑ "The President's Volunteer Service Award". WATV Awards. May 18, 2021.
  17. ↑ "Church of God Holds Dedication Ceremonies in U.S. Texas and Georgia". Sisa News. October 1, 2019.
  18. ↑ "Local church hosts drive-through food campaign," Escondido Times-Advocate, June 17, 2021
  19. ↑ ‘The Essence of Love,’ Respect and Care Embracing Humankind, Weekly DongA, July 22, 2021
  20. ↑ "World Mission Society Church of God receives City Proclamation for local Food Drive," World Mission Society Church of God in San Diego, February 22, 2017
  21. ↑ "Church partners with Food Bank for donations," KRTV, August 26, 2018
  22. ↑ "Crocheted octopuses are helping premature babies by mimicking umbilical cords," Tampa Bay 10, June 3, 2019
  23. ↑ "Greater Happiness and Joy Through Giving Love". WATV News. December 31, 2012.
  24. ↑ "Volunteers Clean Up Leaves, Yards For Seniors In Middletown," Patch, November 30, 2020
  25. ↑ "Church of God Holds Dedication Ceremonies in U.S. Texas and Georgia". Incheon Ilbo. September 29, 2019.
  26. ↑ "Church of God Conducts Environmental Activities on Earth Day in U.S., Peru, and More". Woman DongA. April 27, 2021.
  27. ↑ "Cleanup Relay for Earth Day". WATV News. April 22, 2021.
  28. ↑ "ASEZ WAO in Arizona, U.S. Cleans Area Around Tucson Rillito River". ASEZ WAO. January 12, 2020.
  29. ↑ "Making Earth Brighter Together with ASEZ WAO". ASEZ WAO. January 19, 2020.
  30. ↑ "'You Are a Blessing to Us!'". English WATV. March 10, 2012.
  31. ↑ "Volunteer Relief Efforts by the New York Church After Hurricane Sandy". English WATV. October 30, 2012.
  32. ↑ "[Special Report - Luther's 500th Anniversary of Reformation - Church of God and the Truth of the Bible] World Mission Society Church of God, 2.7 Million Members' Grand Chorus". Monthly JoongAng. November 17, 2017.
  33. ↑ "Hurricane Harvey Relief Efforts by the Houston Church in TX, U.S." English WATV. August 30, 2017.
  34. ↑ "Church of God Growth for a Reason". Economist. July 23, 2014.
  35. ↑ "[Planning – Volunteer Activity] Volunteering Around the World". Aju News. September 7, 2016.
  36. ↑ "National Guard Holds Disaster Training in Rochester," Spectrum News, January 27, 2019
  37. ↑ "Worldwide Blood Drive event held in Utah," ABC4, March 12, 2018
  38. ↑ "Local church receives prestigious volunteer service award from Pres. Trump," ABC4, September 8, 2018
  39. ↑ "Church of God, Sharing Life with Blood Donation Celebrating Passover". Aju News. April 27, 2018.
  40. ↑ "Church of God Donates Blood for More than 1,000 Times". Discovery News. July 12, 2021.
  41. ↑ "Short On Volunteers While Neighbors in Need Increase in U.S." YTN. February 13, 2022.
  42. ↑ "Church of God University Student Volunteer Group Cheers Globally with Hand-to-Hand Relay". The Gyeong-gi Shinmun. June 21, 2020.
  43. ↑ "Arlington teachers surprised with gifts for their hard work during the pandemic," FOX 4, December 17, 2020
  44. ↑ "On A Positive Note: Organization Hands Out Care Packages For Health Care Workers," CBS News, January 29, 2021.
  45. ↑ "Donating Blood, Planting Trees, Supporting for COVID-19 . . . Spreading Love Goes On and On". The DongA Ilbo. March 18, 2022.
  46. ↑ "Volunteers pick up debris as Atlanta's trash collectors struggle under pandemic," Saporta Report, September 2, 2020
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