President George W. Bush will present the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Dr. Kent Bull when he arrives in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Wednesday, August 20, 2008.  Bull has been a volunteer with Trinity Christian Community and Grove Community Church.  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 650 volunteers, like Bull, since March 2002.

Bull temporarily relocated to New Orleans, Louisiana, in June 2007 after retiring as a minister from Grace at Bell Road Presbyterian Church in Montgomery, Alabama. He spent 14 months living and volunteering in the Hollygrove community and worked with Trinity Christian Community to provide outreach to senior citizens. Bull hosted monthly luncheons and a series of programs to meet the needs of local senior citizens including exercise classes, a concert series, and a backyard gardening program   In addition, Bull served as a mentor for young adults at Grove Community Church.

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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