President George W. Bush will present the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Father William Mitchell, 82, when he arrives in Phoenix, Arizona, on Monday, November 28, 2005. Mitchell is a volunteer with Arizona Project Challenge. To thank them for making a difference in the lives of others, President Bush has met with over 450 individuals around the country, like Mitchell, since March 2002.

Since 1994, Mitchell has been the volunteer chaplain for Arizona Project Challenge, a military-based, drop-out recovery school in Queen Creek. He has also been the volunteer chaplain for 21 years at Canyon State Academy, a boarding school for at-risk youth. Mitchell spends 30 hours per week in volunteer service. At Project Challenge, Mitchell coordinates religious services for students of various faiths and ethicsclasses for students who elect not to attend religious services during their five months in residence. He also meets with students for counseling and mentorship each week. Mitchell received the title of Honorary Colonel of the Arizona National Guard from Governor Jane Dee Hull in 2001 in recognition of his exemplary service to the students and staff of Arizona Project Challenge and the citizens of Arizona.

In his January 2002 State of the Union Address, President Bush called on all Americans to make a difference in their communities through volunteer service. He created USA Freedom Corps, an Office of the White House, to strengthen and expand volunteer service. Americans are responding to the President’s Call to Service. Studies show that approximately 5 million more Americans are volunteering today than just three years ago. Go to http://www.usafreedomcorps.gov or call 1-877-USA-CORPS to find an existing volunteer service opportunity in your area or to find more information about service programs, including national service programs such as the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and Citizen Corps. USA Freedom Corps is also highlighting youth volunteer service. Visit http://www.usafreedomcorpskids.gov for games and ideas designed to show how America's youth are making a difference.

The President's Volunteer Service Award was created at the President’s direction by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. The Award is available to youth ages 14 and under who have completed 50 or more hours of volunteer service; to individuals 15 and older who have completed 100 or more hours; and to families or groups who have completed 200 or more hours. For more information about the Award, please visit http://www.presidentialserviceawards.gov.

###