On October 11, 2006, President's Council on Service and Civic Participation member Janine Turner presented the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Gary Chapell at a President's Council event in Washington, DC.  Chapell is a youth volunteer with KID POWER DC and specializes in working with senior citizens.  He is always the first to ask how the seniors are doing and to offer help in anyway he can.  He also helps lead projects and hand out food and supplies.  He provides excellent entertainment for the seniors, but most of all, he truly connects with them.  His compassion and friendliness help ensure that the entire KID POWER service project runs smoothly.  The level of true friendships created between student and senior could not be possible with out his help.

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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