President George W. Bush will meet Anna Edwards, a retired Educational Associate with the New York City Board of Education who has dedicated her retirement to volunteer service, when he arrives in New York City tomorrow.

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 Edwards as an example of the dedication to service he is hoping to instill in all Americans through his USA Freedom Corps initiative.

After retiring from the New York City Board of Education, Edwards returned to helping children as a Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) volunteer with the Experience Corps. Through Experience Corps, Edwards has worked to help children at PS 277 in the South Bronx improve their literacy skills.

Through her church, Edwards teaches Sunday School, helps with an after-school tutoring program, visits shut-ins and volunteers with a summer day camp.

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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