President George W. Bush will meet Linda Peterson when he arrives in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Friday, October 15, 2004. Peterson is an active volunteer with several community organizations in Cedar Rapids, including the annual Variety Children’s Charity of Iowa telethon.

President Bush hascalled on all Americans to volunteer two years or 4,000 hours over the course of their lifetimes, and hecreated USA Freedom Corpsto help foster a culture of service, citizenship, and responsibility. Since March 2002, President Bush has met with more than 300 individuals around the country, like Peterson, who are answering the call to volunteer service.

Peterson served as chairman of the annual Variety Children’s Charity of Iowa telethon for six years. As chairman, she handled media issues, appropriation of funds, and volunteer operations for a committee of over 1,200 volunteers. The telethon raises money for local charities that help children cope with physical, mental and emotional disabilities, critical health problems, or physical or substance abuse. Peterson has also volunteered for 15 years with Cedar Rapids’ annual Freedom Festival and Taste of Cedar Rapids, an event that raises funds for downtown improvement projects. In addition, Peterson is the coordinator for the United Way Charitable Giving Campaign at her office. She has been awarded the Women of Achievement Unsung Hero Award and received the Cedar Rapids Community Hero award in 2002.

Through USA Freedom Corps, President Bush wants to help every American answer the Call to 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 information at www.usafreedomcorps.gov or by calling 1-877-USA-CORPS.

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