WASHINGTON, D.C. - More than 30 White House interns volunteered to help build a playground today in the Sursum Corda community of Washington, D.C.

The White House interns joined representatives from The Home Depot, AmeriCorps*NCCC, D.C. Housing Authority, National Capital Police Fund, community volunteers, and organizers from KaBOOM! in the build.

"Because of the efforts of so many volunteers, the children in this community will have a safe, new playground to enjoy," Desiree Sayle said. "President Bush has called on all Americans to volunteer, and that’s exactly what they did today - they answered his Call to Service. The good work of KaBOOM! and other non profits around the country are bolstered by volunteers who are willing to give their time, energy, and skill to help others. These selfless acts of goodwill serve to strengthen America, one neighborhood and one community at a time.”

Today’s playground build is the final of five KaBOOM! builds joined by AmeriCorps*NCCC members to help mark NCCC’s ten year anniversary.

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.

In 2002, President Bush called upon every American to strengthen their communities and share America's compassion by dedicating at least two years or 4,000 hours over the course of their lifetimes to the service of others. He created USA Freedom Corps to expand volunteer opportunities, help all Americans answer his Call to Service, and to foster a culture of service, citizenship, and responsibility.

This summer, USA Freedom Corps has launched “A Call to Summer Service,” an initiative to encourage Americans to spend a part of their summer in volunteer service. Through “A Call to Summer Service,” citizens are reminded that the summer months are an excellent time to answer the President’s Call to Service, strengthen their communities, and extend the compassion and greatness of America. Interested volunteers can find ideas for summer volunteering and information on how to get started at www.usafreedomcorps.gov.

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