President George W. Bush will meet Kelly MacKenzie upon arrival in Portland, Oregon, on Thursday, August 21, 2003.  During the school year, MacKenzie serves as a mentor and tutor for elementary school students.

Earlier this year, President Bush celebrated the first anniversary of the USA Freedom Corps – his initiative to engage all Americans in service to their neighbors and their nation.  President Bush is recognizing individuals around the country, like MacKenzie, who are answering the call to volunteer service.

Through the Camp Fire USA Youth Development Program offered at her high school, MacKenzie mentors and tutors 4th to 6th grade students at Minter Bridge Elementary’s CampFire afterschool program. During the school year, MacKenzie volunteers approximately two hours each week, serving as a role model to younger students, helping them with their homework and offering words of encouragement and support. 

President Bush created the USA Freedom Corps office at the White House to foster a culture of service, citizenship and responsibility.  Through the USA Freedom Corps, President Bush wants to help every American answer the call to volunteer service by strengthening and expanding service opportunities to protect our homeland, support our communities and extend American compassion around the world.  This summer, the USA Freedom Corps is helping individuals, families, and groups find opportunities to volunteer in their own neighborhoods or on vacations away from home through the new “How I Spent My Summer” initiative.   More information on these opportunities is available at www.usafreedomcorps.gov or by calling 1-877-USA-CORPS.

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