President George W. Bush will present the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Michelle Gilmore when he arrives at the airport in Greensboro, North Carolina, on Wednesday, October 18, 2006.  Gilmore is a volunteer with a variety of community organizations through Team Bank of America, the volunteer network of her employer, Bank of America B.A.  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 Gilmore, since March 2002.

Gilmore has been a volunteer for four years with Communities In Schools of High Point.  She volunteers as a GRAND Pals Tutor, a program supported by the United Way of Greater High Point.  Each week Gilmore meets with a second-grader at Fairview Elementary School to help the student improve academic performance and reading skills. Gilmore is also co-chairman of the Fill the Bus Campaign for Oak View Elementary School.  This program mobilizes businesses and community organizations to donate classroom supplies for teachers.  In addition, Gilmore delivers meals to senior citizens with Meals on Wheels of Greensboro.

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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