On May 12, 2006, President George W. Bush presented the President’s Volunteer Service Award to five outstanding individuals during a ceremony marking Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in the East Room of the White House.  For six years, Virginia Ganzon-Sturwold, Ed.D., has tutored third and fourth grade students at Francis Scott Key Elementary School in San Francisco through Experience Corps, a non-profit organization supporting senior citizens who are interested in volunteering in the community. Twice a week, Virginia helps children learn to read and develop self-confidence in their abilities and oversees an after-school knitting program aimed at cultivating creativity. Inspired by her own personal struggles, including the Bataan Death March, breast cancer, and domestic violence, Virginia has spent more than 30 years volunteering at shelters for battered women, the Pilot Club of Atlanta, and the American Cancer Society’s Reach to Recovery program for breast cancer patients.

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.

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