Capitol PurSuit Drive News Conference
Remarks by Desiree T. Sayle
Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of USA Freedom Corps
The White House

I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of today’s event, and I appreciate the American League of Lobbyists for organizing this first annual Capitol PurSuit Drive. Thank you to the Men’s Warehouse for being a sponsor, to the Members of Congress here today, and to everyone who donated suits for this worthy cause.

The good work being done here today shouldn’t end when you donate clothing. Groups like Working Wardrobes and Career Gear rely on hundreds of volunteers every month to help them carry out their mission. Volunteers help by collecting donations, taking inventory, and distributing clothes, answering phones, helping with office administration, and helping provide personal and professional development services for clients.

Through USA Freedom Corps, President Bush is promoting and expanding volunteer opportunities at the Federal and local level.

USA Freedom Corps’ Volunteer Network links volunteers to more than 1 million volunteer opportunities from more than 75,000 organizations. Potential volunteers can search the Network, located at www.usafreedomcorps.gov, based on their location and area of interest.

We have also launched our Call to Summer Service, highlighting the increased needs for volunteers during the summer months. Summer is the perfect time for those who are not yet volunteering to reach out and help a neighbor in need.

And we are encouraging the efforts of non-profits by helping them expand their capacity and encouraging them to list their volunteer opportunities on our Network. Events like this are another great way to show Americans how they can get involved and give back to their communities.

Volunteer service is on the rise in America. In 2003, 63.8 million Americans offered their time and talent as volunteers. That’s an increase of 4 million people from the prior year. This is tremendous, but there is more work to do.

Thank you for participating in this clothing drive. I urge all Americans to take the next step and find a way to give of your time as well. Working together, we are changing America, one heart and one soul at a time.