President George W. Bush will present the President’s Volunteer Service Award to David Tompkins when he arrives at the airport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Monday, May 8, 2006. Tompkins, a senior at North Broward Preparatory School, is a volunteer with a variety of community organizations including the First United Methodist Church of Boca Raton, TOPSoccer, and the Charity Band Tour. To thank them for making a difference in the lives of others, President Bush honors a local volunteer, called a Freedom Corps greeter, when he travels throughout the United States. Tompkins is the 500th volunteer to greet President Bush since March 2002.

In March, Tompkins spent his spring break in Biloxi, Mississippi, with other volunteers from his church, First United Methodist Church of Boca Raton, helping with Hurricane Katrina rebuilding efforts. He cleared out homes, stripped roofs, installed shingles and insulation, and assisted with electrical work. In the summer of 2005, Tompkins spent a week with his church youth group building new homes for low-income families in the region of Cuidad Quesada, Costa Rica. For three years, Tompkins was a “buddy” and referee with the TOPSoccer program which provides the opportunity for kids with mental or physical disabilities to play soccer with the assistance of youth volunteers. In addition, Tompkins plays the clarinet and spent three years as a member of the Charity Band Tour performing for disadvantaged and terminally ill children and senior citizens.

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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