FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saturday, November 30, 2002
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The White House
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President Encourages Volunteer Service in His Weekly Radio Address |
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Washington, D.C. — THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. This week all across
America we gather with the people we love to give thanks for the
blessings in our lives. Each family has its own traditions, yet we are
united as a nation in setting aside a day of gratitude. We are grateful
for the freedoms we enjoy, grateful for the loved ones who give meaning
to our lives, and grateful for the many gifts of this prosperous land.
On Thanksgiving we acknowledge that all of these things, and life
itself, come not from the hand of man, but from Almighty God.
The blessings we have received take on special meaning in this time
of challenge for our country. Over the last year millions of Americans
have found renewed appreciation for our liberty and for the men and
women who serve in its defense. We have held our family and our friends
closer, spending more time together, and letting them know we love them.
Taking time to count our own blessings reminds us that many people
struggle every day — men, women, and children facing hunger,
homelessness, illness, addiction, or despair. These are not strangers.
They are fellow Americans needing comfort, love, and compassion. I ask
all Americans to consider how you can give someone in need a reason to
be thankful in this holiday season and throughout the year.
It's easy to get started and to have an immediate impact.
Volunteering your time at a soup kitchen, teaching a child to read,
visiting a patient in the hospital, or taking a meal to an elderly
neighbor or a shut-in are all simple acts of compassion that can
brighten someone's life. Every act of love and generosity, however small
it may seem, is significant. Every time you reach out to a neighbor in
need you touch a life, you improve your community, and you strengthen
our nation.
Earlier this year I created the USA Freedom Corps office in the White
House to harness the power of millions of acts of charity, compassion,
and love to make America a better place. I hope you'll consider joining
the armies of compassion, and dedicating time and energy and service to
others. I'm so proud of the millions of Americans who have answered the
call to service, enriching the lives of others with acts of kindness. It
is a testament to the good heart and the giving spirit of the American
people.
There's no better time than this season of Thanksgiving to renew our
commitment to helping those in need. The USA Freedom Corp website —
USAFreedomCorp.gov —
is a wonderful place to get started. This resource offers valuable
information about service opportunities in your home town, across
America, an around the world. You can also get information by calling
1-877-USA-CORPS.
Take the time to find out how you can help your fellow Americans and
make this holiday season a season of service.
Happy Thanksgiving and thank you for listening.
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