President George W. Bush will present the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Zach Bonner, 8, when he arrives at the airport in Tampa, Florida, on Thursday, September 21, 2006.  Bonner, a third-grader at Florida Virtual Academy, is creator of the Little Red Wagon Foundation Inc. and a volunteer with StandUp for Kids.  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 Bonner, since March 2002.

Following Hurricane Charley in 2004, Bonner collected supplies for families impacted by the storm.  His grassroots effort resulted in the donation of more than 25 truckloads of supplies for families in need.  After Hurricane Katrina, Bonner organized a toy drive and delivered the gifts to children in hurricane stricken regions. In 2005 Bonner created the Little Red Wagon Foundation as a non-profit organization to provide opportunities for kids to help other kids in need.  He teamed with StandUp For Kids, a nonprofit organization which helps homeless youth, and has assembled more than 400 backpacks, called Zachpacks, filled with donated snacks, personal-hygiene items, first-aid kits and toys.  Bonner is currently planning a Christmas party for children impacted by Hurricane Katrina who are living at Renaissance Village in Baker, Louisiana. To date he has collected toys and gifts to deliver to 250 children.

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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