President George W. Bush will meet Travis Morrison upon arrival in Springfield, Missouri, on Monday, February 9, 2004.  Morrison volunteers in his community by helping those who are still recovering from severe storms and tornadoes that impacted Missouri in May 2003.

Last month, the USA Freedom Corps – President Bush’s initiative to engage all Americans in service to their neighbors and their nation – celebrated its second anniversary.  President Bush is recognizing individuals around the country, like Morrison, who are answering the call to volunteer service.

Morrison began volunteering with Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Services in May, 2003, shortly after tornadoes devastated Pierce City, Missouri, and surrounding communities.  He has been assisting with clean-up efforts and providing assistance to families affected by the storm by delivering donated items to families still in need. Currently, he is working to better organize food donations to ensure such items are properly sorted and distributed. Last month, Morrison cleared storm damaged trees and worked with other volunteers to cut tree trunks and branches into free fire wood for people in the community.

Morrison also volunteers with his co-workers at SRC Automotive in supporting the United Way of America and reaching out to local businesses to encourage more donations.  Recently, he began volunteering with the Ozarks Food Harvest “Food for Thought” program, a pilot program that provides children in need with backpacks filled with nutritious foods each week.  Morrison also encourages SRC Automotive employees to donate food to this program.

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.  Interested volunteers can find opportunities in their own neighborhoods through the USA Freedom Corps web site at www.usafreedomcorps.gov or by calling 1-877-USA-CORPS.

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