FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, March 19, 2004
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The White House - USA Freedom Corps
Contact: Kathleen Mynster 202-456-7381 |
President Bush to Recognize Florida Couple for Dedication to Volunteer Service |
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President George W. Bush will meet Frank and Sally Wills when he arrives in
Orlando, Florida, on Saturday, March 20, 2004. Since 1996, the Wills have been
active volunteers with the Ronald McDonald House of Orlando, a nonprofit
organization that provides a temporary home for families of seriously ill
children receiving treatment at local hospitals.
Earlier this year, the USA Freedom Corps – President Bush’s initiative to
engage all Americans in service to their neighbors and their nation – celebrated
its second anniversary. Since January 2002, President Bush has met with more
than 260 individuals around the country, like the Wills, who are answering the
call to volunteer service.
For the past seven years, the Wills have volunteered each Wednesday at the
Ronald McDonald House of Orlando, helping to provide visiting families with
steady comfort and support so they are able to fully concentrate on their
child’s recovery. The Wills assist families checking in and out of the Ronald
McDonald House, provide tours so guests are familiar with the home, cook dinner
for the families and assist with light maintenance repairs and cleaning. Since
1995, the Wills have also volunteered with Telecom Pioneers, a nonprofit
organization comprised of current and retired telecommunications employees
working to make their communities better places to live and work. Through this
organization, the Wills help to make and deliver heart-shaped pillows to
patients undergoing heart surgery, donate food to families in need during the
holiday season and take students from William Maxey Elementary School to
breakfast when they receive good grades and make the school’s honor roll list.
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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