FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, November 03, 2006
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The White House - USA Freedom Corps
Contact: Press Office Phone: 202-456-7381 |
President Bush to Recognize Topeka Woman for Dedication to Volunteer Service |
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President George W. Bush will present the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Sharon Meissner when he arrives at the airport in Topeka, Kansas, on Sunday, November, 5, 2006. Meissner is a volunteer with the Topeka Rescue Mission. 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 550 individuals around the country, like Meissner, since March 2002.
Meissner has been a volunteer registered nurse for 16 years at the Topeka Rescue Mission’s health clinic for homeless individuals and families. She provides patient care, coordinates schedules for the all-volunteer medical staff, and secures medication for the clinic. Meissner also recruits nursing students, from Washburn and Baker Universities, as well as registered nurses to help staff the clinic. In addition, as a volunteer with Youth With A Mission (YWAM), Meissner and her husband have participated in short-term medical mission trips to Guatemala for 20 years.
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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