President George W. Bush will meet Valerie Christy upon arrival in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Thursday, July 24, 2003. For the past three years, Christy has been an active volunteer in the Philadelphia community with Philadelphia Cares.

Earlier this year, President Bush celebrated the first anniversary of the USA Freedom Corps – his initiative to engage all Americans in service to their neighbors and their nation. President Bush is recognizing individuals around the country, like Christy, who are answering the call to volunteer service.

As a result of a partnership between her employer, ACE INA, and Philadelphia Cares, Christy has become an active volunteer in the Philadelphia community. For the past two years, Christy and her co-workers have participated in Philadelphia Cares Day, an event to help paint and repair two Philadelphia public schools. Christy also volunteers twice each month as part of Philadelphia Cares’ “Partners in Technology” program, teaching basic computer skills to seniors and special needs residents at the American Postal Workers House. Christy also helps maintain and revitalize public spaces in the Philadelphia area, like the Ribbon of Gold Garden at the historic Eastern State Penitentiary.

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. This summer, the USA Freedom Corps is helping individuals, families, and groups find opportunities to volunteer in their own neighborhoods or on vacations away from home through the new “How I Spent My Summer” initiative. More information on these opportunities is available at www.usafreedomcorps.gov or by calling 1-877-USA-CORPS.

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