WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Secretary Andrew Card, White House Chief of Staff, joined with Department of Commerce Secretary Don Evans and other members of President George W. Bush's Administration today for a playground build in southeast Washington, D.C., in celebration of National Volunteer Week. The Administration staffers, their friends, and family members were joined by members of the community, AmeriCorps members, and representatives of KaBOOM!, The Home Depot, and the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation as they helped build a playground for the Children of Mine Center in Anacostia, VA.

“Because of the efforts of the volunteers here today, children in this neighborhood will have a safe place to play,” White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card said. “The commitment of so many organizations and individuals involved with this playground build has made a difference in the lives of children in this community. When President Bush issued his Call to Service in 2002 and created the USA Freedom Corps, this is exactly the kind of effort he envisioned.”

National Volunteer Week, April 18-24, is organized by the Points of Light Foundation as a special time to recognize and celebrate America’s volunteers. This year’s National Volunteer Week theme, “Volunteers Inspire by Example,” reminds us that volunteers inspire the people they help, and they inspire others to become involved. A particular emphasis of this year’s celebration is the President’s Volunteer Service Award, which was established through the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation as a way to recognize the multitude of volunteers who are strengthening our country. Today, the Award was presented to Hannah Hawkins, Director and founder of Children of Mine, Darell Hammond, CEO and co-founder of KaBOOM!, Ericka Dunlap, Miss America 2004, and a local family in recognition of their volunteer service. The Award is available to people of all ages who meet volunteer hour requirements. For more information about the Award, please visit www.presidentialserviceawards.org.

"During National Volunteer Week, Americans across the country are being recognized for dedicating their time to meeting important community needs," Desiree Sayle, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of the USA Freedom Corps said. "I am pleased to be a part of National Volunteer Week, and hope that more individuals will be recognized for their important work in their communities. I also hope that more Americans will become involved by serving in their communities.”

The playground build was sponsored by KaBOOM!, a nonprofit organization that specializes in linking communities and corporations together to build much-needed playgrounds in communities around the country. The build itself was made possible through The Home Depot's ongoing support of KaBOOM! The Home Depot CEO Robert Nardelli and other company leaders were among those who participated in the build. As a result of today's project, children who are served by the Children of Mine Center will now have a safe place to play.

President Bush created the USA Freedom Corps office at the White House to foster a culture of service, citizenship, and responsibility. Through the USA Freedom Corps, President Bush wants to help every American answer the call to volunteer 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 opportunities in their own neighborhoods through the USA Freedom Corps web site at www.usafreedomcorps.gov or by calling 1-877-USA-CORPS.

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