President George W. Bush will meet Robert and Christine Morgan when he arrives in Trenton, New Jersey, on Monday, September 23, 2002. The Morgans are active volunteers with the American Red Cross of Central New Jersey.

In his State of the Union address, President Bush called on all Americans to dedicate at least two years of their lives—the equivalent of 4,000 hours—in service to their communities, our country and the world. President Bush is recognizing individuals around the country who are answering the call to service and will recognize the Morgans as an example of the dedication to service he is hoping to instill in all Americans through his USA Freedom Corps initiative.

Robert Morgan has been volunteering with the American Red Cross of Central New Jersey for over 20 years and has served as a board member for the past 11 years. He has been instrumental in creating a plan to double the number of individuals in the community who are certified in CPR and First Aid. Christine Morgan has been involved in the Red Cross Blood Services Program, recruiting volunteers and coordinating blood drives that produce donations of more than 300 units of blood each year.

The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers, helps to provide relief to victims of disasters and helps people to prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. The American Red Cross chapters of New Jersey are currently facing a blood shortage --- by the end of this year, the New Jersey chapters of the Red Cross will be 70,000 units short of their target for donations. Nationally, only five percent of those eligible to donate actually give blood. For more information about the American Red Cross or how to make a blood donation, visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.

President Bush created the USA Freedom Corps office at the White House to foster an American culture of service, citizenship and responsibility. Through the USA Freedom Corps, President Bush wants to help every American answer the call to service by strengthening and expanding service opportunities to protect our homeland, support our communities and extend American compassion around the world. Interested volunteers can find information on the USA Freedom Corps at www.usafreedomcorps.gov or by calling 1-877-USA-Corps.

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