President George W. Bush will present the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Caroline Worley when he arrives in Bentonville, Arkansas, on Monday, October 15, 2007. Worley is a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas. 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 Worley, since March 2002.

Worley is a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas. She was matched with her Little Sister, Jamie, more than three years ago. Worley and her Little Sister meet on a regular basis for a variety of activities including library visits, swimming, hiking, horseback riding and sporting events. Worley also volunteers with the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program Committee and uses her knowledge and experience as a school psychologist to assist with placement of children with emotional and behavioral issues. Worley was recognized as Big Sister of the Year for Arkansas in 2007. In addition, Worley is a volunteer with the Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale.

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.

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