On May 12, 2006, President George W. Bush presented the President’s Volunteer Service Award to five outstanding individuals during a ceremony marking Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in the East Room of the White House.  Durai Pandithurai immigrated to the United States from India in 1974. The Salvation Army in New York City provided him with clothes, support, and a job as a bell ringer in the Red Kettle Christmas Campaign. Durai now works as an executive for The Salvation Army and has never forgotten the kindness shown to him when he first arrived in this country. Durai organized The Salvation Army’s first Indian Outpost to support the immigrant population living in Dallas. He also helps families prepare their taxes and create financial plans for retirement. Durai participates in The Salvation Army’s annual Angel Tree program, traveled to the Gulf Coast to provide disaster relief following Hurricane Katrina, and still volunteers as a Red Kettle bell ringer in cities throughout Texas.

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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