President George W. Bush will present the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Pete Beverly when he arrives in Aurora, Colorado, on Monday, February 20, 2006. Beverly is a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver. To thank them for making a difference in the lives of others, President Bush has met with more than 470 individuals around the country, like Beverly, since March 2002.

Beverly has been a volunteer for five years with Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver and has helped build more than 60 homes in the Denver area. His most recent volunteer effort was with Habitat for Humanity Metro Denver’s Net-Zero Energy Home. The home was built in partnership with the National Renewable Energy Lab and is the first zero-energy home constructed by Habitat for Humanity in the United States. Beverly, a retired master electrician, supervised the installation of the home’s electrical and photovoltaic systems and also assisted with the design and construction process.

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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