Gaithersburg Man Given AARP's Most Prestigious Volunteer Award​

GAITHERSBURG, MD – Chuck Smith, a Gaithersburg resident and AARP member, will be presented with the 2018 AARP Maryland Andrus Award for Community Service on Wednesday, Sept. 26, at 11 a.m. in Clarksville. The award is the association's most prestigious and visible state volunteer award for community service.

AARP Maryland chose Smith from a pool of many worthy nominees for his work to combat hunger in Montgomery County, where — despite its status as one of the nation’s wealthiest communities — pockets of poverty remain pervasive, the association said in a press release.

Every Monday morning for the past 25 years, approximately 200 disadvantaged families gather at St. Martin’s Pantry in Gaithersburg to pick up groceries and items they need. As they wait, they are greeted warmly by a team of volunteers who share neighborhood news, delight in the progress of children and grandchildren, and offer tips on what to cook with the fresh produce on display.

At this modest location, volunteers collect and distribute some four tons of food, toiletries, baby formula and diapers every week, guided by Smith's leadership and vision .

Retired after decades traveling the world with the U.S. State Department, Smith never intended a second career in community service. But when St. Martin’s needed an interim volunteer to help run the food pantry in the 1990s, Smith stepped up to help “for a few weeks.” He hasn’t stopped since.

Smith continuously seeks improvements – everything from spearheading a major building renovation project, to making the facility handicapped-accessible, and from leading area food drives which help fill the shelves to writing grants to supplement the budget when food donations run low.

“Named after our founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, this award acts as a symbol to the public that we can all work together for positive social change,” said AARP Maryland State Director Hank Greenberg. “Chuck Smith exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism and the important contributions volunteers make to their communities, neighbors, and the programs they serve.”

Recipients across the nation were chosen for their ability to enhance the lives of AARP members and prospective members, improve the community in or for which the work was performed, and inspire others to volunteer.

The award will be formally presented to Smith at a ceremony on Wednesday, September 26 at 11:30 AM at the Gathering Place, 6120 Day Long Lane, Clarksville, MD 21029

Image via AARP