USA Freedom Corps - Make a Difference. Volunteer.

Issue 186 - Week of November 24, 2008

Secretary James Peake Honors
Volunteers at Durham VA Medical Center

On Tuesday, November 25th Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary James Peake and USAFC Acting Director Alison Young presented the President's Volunteer Service Award to 14 volunteers at the VA Medical Center in Durham, NC. The volunteers are part of the Volunteer Transportation Network and dedicate their time driving veterans to and from medical appointments and VA facilities. Secretary Peake highlighted the need for transportation volunteers as the top volunteer recruitment priority for VA for thecritical support they provide to VA facilities and veterans.

NFL Players To Be Honored with the
President's Volunteer Service Award

Over Thanksgiving weekend, USA Freedom Corps will join with the National Football League (NFL) to honor players with President's Volunteer Service Award for giving back to their communities, particularly by promoting the importance of fitness and health among youth through the NFL’s PLAY 60 campaign. Members of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation and the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, as well as senior White House staff, will present awards to players from the 12 home teams on Sunday, November 30, and the remaining awards will be presented to players from the remainder of the 32 teams throughout the season.

Learn more about the President's Volunteer Service Award
Learn more about NFL PLAY 60

St. Bernard Project Cofounder Named
CNN Hero of the Year

Liz McCartney, cofounder of a Louisiana nonprofit that engages volunteers and AmeriCorps members to rebuild homes destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, was named the 2008 CNN Hero of the Year at a ceremony Saturday night in Hollywood. McCartney received $100,000 to continue the project’s work in rebuilding homes in St. Bernard Parish. McCartney had already received $25,000 for being one of 10 finalists.

Download the USA Freedom Corps Report, "Answering the Call to Service"

On September 8th, USA Freedom Corps issued a report, "Answering the Call to Service," which details the work of the initiative to help improve communities and change lives over nearly seven years under the President's leadership. The report details the response from the millions of individuals who have answered the President's Call to Service and used their power and energy to affect communities across America.

Read the report (PDF)

Help the Survivors of the Gulf Coast Hurricanes

Americans can learn more about volunteer opportunities in their community or hurricane-related opportunities in the Gulf Coast by visiting the USA Freedom Corps website or calling 1-877-USA-CORPS.

President Bush Recognizes Montvale New Jersey Woman for Dedication to Volunteer Service

President George W. Bush presented the President's Volunteer Service Award to Jane Cosco upon arrival in New York City on Thursday, November 13, 2008. Cosco is the founder and volunteer director of Operation Goody Bag. To thank them for making a difference in the lives of others, President Bush honors a local volunteer when he travels throughout the United States. He has met with more than 650 volunteers, like Cosco, since March 2002.
Read more

UNSUBSCRIBE: You received this e-mail because you expressed interest in finding out more information about volunteer service. If you would like to unsubscribe, please click here.

THANK YOU: Thank you for expressing interest in volunteer service. When you help your neighbors, you help your Nation. You can make a difference. If you would like to tell your friends about this Weekly Update, please click here. If you are not a current subscriber and would like to subscribe to the Weekly Update, please click here.

The mission of the USA Freedom Corps is to foster a culture of citizenship, service, and responsibility.

Secretary James Peake Honors Volunteers at Durham VA Medical Center

NFL Players To Be Honored with the President's Volunteer Service Award