President George W. Bush will present the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Joy Cameron when he arrives at the airport in Little Rock, Arkansas, on Wednesday, August 30, 2006.  Cameron organized a meal service program for Hurricane Katrina evacuees.  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 Cameron, since March 2002.

In August 2005, Cameron organized a program to feed evacuees from the Gulf Coast who relocated to North Little Rock for temporary housing following Hurricane Katrina.  She secured banquet space at the Patrick Henry Hays Senior Center and enlisted the help of volunteers from Gardner Memorial United Methodist Church, as well as 45 other churches and community organizations to assist with meal preparation and service. The program lasted for one month and served more than 9,000 meals.  In addition, evacuees were provided hygiene items, water and clothing which were donated by churches, local businesses and individuals. 

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. 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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