President George W. Bush will present the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Cathy Levine when he arrives in Reno, Nevada, on Monday, August, 27, 2007.  Levine volunteers with Warm for all Reasons and the employee volunteer program at Wells Fargo Nevada.  To thank them for making a difference in the lives of others, President Bush honors a local volunteer when he travels throughout the United States.  He has met with more than 600 volunteers, like Levine, since March 2002.

In response to a severe snowstorm in 1989, Levine began collecting clothing and blankets for homeless families who were housed temporarily at a local shelter.  Following the storm she created Warm for All Reasons, an organization that provides clothing and other necessities to needy families.  She also extended the outreach to pregnant woman and babies in need of clothing, toys and furniture.   For 17 years, Levine has collected and sorted donated items for distribution to local social services agencies.  She also helps collect and wrap Christmas gifts for approximately 500 at-risk children each holiday season.  In addition, Levine is a participant in the employee volunteer program at Wells Fargo and participates in a variety of community service projects including the annual clothing and school supply drive.  She also visits senior citizen shut-ins each week through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program.  In 2006, Levine was one of six Reno nominees for Citizen of the Year.

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. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 61 million Americans volunteered in 2006. 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.

###