President George W. Bush will present the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Karl Durant when he arrives at the airport in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on Thursday, August 10, 2006.  Durant is a volunteer with Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity and the Green Bay Community Church.  To thank them for making a difference in the lives of others, President Bush honors a local volunteer, called a USA Freedom Corps greeter, when he travels throughout the United States.  President Bush has met with more than 500 individuals around the country, like Durant, since March 2002.

Durant has been a volunteer for three years with Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity.  He has been a project Team Leader and assisted with the construction of three Habitat homes in the Greater Green Bay area.  Durant is also a volunteer at Green Bay Community Church.  He assists in the Kids Praise Sunday school class, and teaches second- and third-graders in the Kids Quest Explorers Program.  In addition, for the past two years, Durant served as the volunteer Campaign Chairperson for the Brown County United Way at his place of employment, Associated Banc-Corp.  He led the charitable giving efforts and encouraged community service among employees. 

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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