FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, January 28, 2004
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The White House - USA Freedom Corps
Contact: Kathleen Mynster
202-456-7381
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President Bush to Recognize AmeriCorps Member for Dedication to Volunteer Service |
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President George W. Bush will meet Kimberly
Lucia upon arrival in Greenwich, Connecticut, on Thursday, January 29, 2004. As
an active member of AmeriCorps*VISTA, Lucia volunteers with the American Red
Cross National Preparedness and Response Corps.
This month, the USA Freedom Corps – President
Bush’s initiative to engage all Americans in service to their neighbors and
their nation – is celebrating its second anniversary. President Bush is
recognizing individuals around the country, like Lucia, who are answering the
call to volunteer service.
Following college graduation, Lucia began
looking for ways to help others in her community.
In October 2001, she joined AmeriCorps NCCC, a
10-month, full-time residential program where she participated in volunteer
projects relating to public safety, public health and disaster relief. In
September 2003, Lucia renewed her commitment to service by becoming an
AmeriCorps*VISTA member and currently serves as a volunteer with the American
Red Cross National Preparedness and Response Corps. She is trained to respond to
local and national disasters such as fires and hurricanes. She also conducts
disaster preparedness sessions in schools and assists members of the community
in preparing for a disaster. During the past few months, Lucia volunteered as
part of Basic A Training (BAT), an after-school program for third, fourth and
fifth grade students, where she speaks about basic first aid skills, when to
call 911, fire safety and what to do if there is an emergency at home. She has
also taught basic safety techniques to first grade students in her community,
stressing important safety tips such as wearing a bicycle helmet and swimming
only when there is an adult present. Following Hurricane Isabel in September
2003, Lucia volunteered for two weeks in Baltimore, Maryland, providing support
and referral services to families affected by the storm, reporting structural
damage within the community and serving food to those in need.
President Bush created the USA Freedom Corps office at the White House to
foster a culture of service, citizenship and responsibility. Through the USA
Freedom Corps, President Bush wants to help every American answer the call to
volunteer 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 opportunities in their own
neighborhoods through the USA Freedom Corps web site at
www.usafreedomcorps.gov
or by calling 1-877-USA-CORPS.
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