President George W. Bush will present the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Patrick Gilligan when he arrives at the airport in New York, New York, on Monday, September 18, 2006.  Gilligan is a volunteer with New York Cares.  To thank them for making a difference in the lives of others, President Bush honors a local volunteer, called a USA Freedom Corps Greeter, when he travels throughout the United States.  President Bush has met with more than 500 individuals around the country, like Gilligan, since March 2002.

Gilligan has been a volunteer for three years with New York Cares.  New York Cares connects volunteers to more than 850 non-profit agencies, public schools, and organizations. Once per month Gilligan assists with Breakfast at St. Bartholomew’s, a hot meal program for homeless men and women.  He is also a Team Leader for Adult Education Projects including mock interview sessions, resume preparation classes and financial literacy programs. Gilligan volunteered from January through April 2006 with the Income Tax Project at Ariva Bronx Tax Center.  He worked with a team of 25 volunteers preparing free income tax returns for more than 1,300 clients.  Gilligan also serves on the New York Cares Speakers Bureau where he leads orientation classes for new volunteers.

In his January 2002 State of the Union Address, President Bush called on all Americans to make a difference in their communities through volunteer service. He created USA Freedom Corps, an Office of the White House, to strengthen and expand volunteer service. Americans are responding to the President’s Call to Service. Go to www.volunteer.gov or call 1-877-USA-CORPS to find an existing volunteer service opportunity in your area or to find more information about service programs, including national service programs such as the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and Citizen Corps. USA Freedom Corps is also highlighting youth volunteer service. Visit www.volunteerkids.gov for games and ideas designed to show how America's youth are making a difference.

The President's Volunteer Service Award was created at the President’s direction by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. The Award is available to youth ages 14 and under who have completed 50 or more hours of volunteer service; to individuals 15 and older who have completed 100 or more hours; and to families or groups who have completed 200 or more hours. For more information about the Award, please visit www.presidentialserviceawards.gov.

###