President George W. Bush will present the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Erin Green when he arrives in Chicago, Illinois, on Friday, January 6, 2006. Green is a volunteer with the James R. Jordan Boys and Girls Club and Family Life Center and the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Foundation. To thank them for making a difference in the lives of others, President Bush has met with more than 450 individuals around the country, like Green, since March 2002.

Green is a volunteer with the College Bound program at the James R. Jordan Boys and Girls Club and Family Life Center. This program prepares high school students for transition into college. Green is a mentor and also assists students with career counseling and financial aid applications. In addition, Green is the fundraising committee chair and associate board member for the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Foundation. She is the coordinator for events which help the foundation provide four-year high school scholarships to economically disadvantaged students.

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. Studies show that approximately 6 million more Americans are volunteering today than in 2001. Go to http://www.usafreedomcorps.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 http://www.usafreedomcorpskids.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 http://www.presidentialserviceawards.gov.

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