President George W. Bush will present the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Bill and Nina Hartman when he arrives in Atlanta, Georgia, on Friday, July 22, 2005. The Hartmans volunteer with the Clayton County Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. To thank them for making a difference in the lives of others, President Bush has met with more than 400 individuals around the country, like the Hartmans, since March 2002.

For the past ten years the Hartmans have volunteered with the Clayton County Retired and Senior Volunteer Program managed by Georgia State University. They help senior citizens stay healthy and active by working in the fitness center at the Riverdale Senior Center in Riverdale. The Hartmans conduct orientation training sessions and teach seniors how to operate cardiovascular equipment and free weights.

In his January 2002 State of the Union Address, President Bush called on every American to dedicate two years or 4,000 hours over the course of their lives to volunteer service. To help more Americans engage in volunteer service, he created USA Freedom Corps, an Office of the White House charged with strengthening and expanding volunteer service. Americans are responding to the President’s Call to Service. Studies show that approximately 5 million more Americans are volunteering today than just three years ago. Go to www.usafreedomcorps.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.usafreedomcorpskids.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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