President George W. Bush will meet Blake and Mona Schomas when he arrives in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday, October 6, 2004. The Schomases founded Home of Their Own, a sterile home environment where families can reside, free of charge, while their children recover from bone marrow transplant surgery.

President Bush has called on all Americans to volunteer two years or 4,000 hours over the course of their lifetimes, and hecreated USA Freedom Corpsto help foster a culture of service, citizenship, and responsibility. Since March 2002, President Bush has met with more than 300 individuals around the country, like the Schomases, who are answering the call to volunteer service.

The Schomases created Home of Their Own after their daughter, Libby, passed away from leukemia in January, 2001. The organization purchased a townhouse in Hershey, Pennsylvania, and used a $17,000 grant from Ronald McDonald House to pay for renovations. They sterilized the environment and purchased new furnishings and supplies through donations and fundraising activities. The Schomases also prepare baskets for the occupants that include gift cards for gas and groceries and calling cards to lesson the financial burden of living away from home during their child’s bone marrow transplant and recovery. Ten families have lived in the home since it opened.

Through USA Freedom Corps, President Bush wants to help every American answer the Call to Service by strengthening and expanding service opportunities to protect our homeland, support our communities, and extend American compassion around the world. Interested volunteers can find information at www.usafreedomcorps.gov or by calling 1-877-USA-CORPS.

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