USA Freedom Corps, an office at the White House, is encouraging kids, youth, parents and educators across the country to visit http://www.usafreedomcorpskids.gov to find ideas on how America's youngest can help those affected by Hurricane Katrina.Young people want to help, but don't know what to do, where to start, or if their contribution will really matter. There is good news - everyone can make a difference.

Volunteering gives kids and youth the chance to make a difference in the life of someone in need, as well as an opportunity to cope with images of devastated communities in the Gulf Coast. They can help families who have been impacted by Hurricane Katrina or find ways to help people in their own city or town. Here are some ideas listed on http://www.usafreedomcorpskids.gov:

• Print and color a message of friendship to a child from the area affected by Hurricane Katrina. Kids can print and color a note and send it to USA Freedom Corps for delivery to youth affected by Hurricane Katrina.
   
• Organize a book drive at school and send donations to a national hurricane relief program. Or, if there are displaced families living in their area, youth can volunteer to host a story time for the children.
   
• Write a thank-you note for a volunteer working in the Gulf region who is helping with hurricane relief efforts.Kids or youth can print and color this note and send it to USA Freedom Corps for delivery to a deserving volunteer. Many victims are far from home, friends, and familiar things. They need to know that our whole Nation cares about them and that in the journey ahead, they are not alone.
   
• Volunteer at a local Red Cross chapter. Youth up to age 24 make up 30 percent of all volunteers in the United States. Classes in first aid, safety and CPR are also available.

KIDS, YOUTH, PARENTS AND TEACHERS CAN FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.USAFREEDOMCORPSKIDS.GOV OR BY CALLING 1-877-USA-CORPS

###