President George W. Bush will present the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Pat Dee when he arrives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Monday, August 27, 2007.  Dee is a volunteer with Albuquerque Reads.  To thank them for making a difference in the lives of others, President Bush honors a local volunteer when he travels throughout the United States.  He has met with more than 600 volunteers, like Dee, since March 2002.

Dee has served as a volunteer and board member with Albuquerque Reads since the program’s inception in 2003.  Albuquerque Reads, a partnership between the Albuquerque Public Schools and the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, addresses literacy in kindergarten students at Title 1 schools.  Dee was one of the original volunteer tutors and continues to work with students on a weekly basis to improve their reading skills.  In addition, he is an active volunteer recruiter, fundraiser and spokesperson for Albuquerque Reads, and as chief operating officer for First Community Bank, Dee provides paid time off for employees when they participate in volunteer service.

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. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 61 million Americans volunteered in 2006. 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.

###