President George W. Bush will present the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Anna Edlund when he arrives at the airport in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Thursday, February 2, 2006. Edlund is the founder of Funky Minds, a community outreach program in Carver, Minnesota. To thank them for making a difference in the lives of others, President Bush has met with more than 460 individuals around the country, like Edlund, since March 2002.

Edlund founded Funky Minds in 2003 as a place for children and families to learn and play. She uses the volunteer services of community members to offer free classes and programs in reading, crafts, and recreation. Edlund organizes Open Gym nights, the publication of a student-produced quarterly community newspaper, and community dinners. She has partnered with local schools to develop service-learning projects to teach students the importance of giving back to the community.

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. Go to www.volunteer.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 www.volunteerkids.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 www.presidentialserviceawards.gov.

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