President George W. Bush will meet Herbert S. Anderson when he arrives in Dearborn, Michigan, on Monday, April 28, 2003. Anderson is a “Foster Grandparent” working with students, teachers, and administrators at the Greenfield Union Elementary School in Detroit.

Earlier this year, President Bush celebrated the first anniversary of the USA Freedom Corps – his initiative to engage all Americans in service to their neighbors and their nation. President Bush is recognizing individuals around the country like Anderson who are answering the call to volunteer service.

Anderson has been an active volunteer since 1980, dedicating most of his time helping churches, nonprofit organizations and schools use computer technology to enhance their work. He is a retired computer specialist who has shared his talents with numerous organizations and congregations. Most recently, he helped the Christ Cathedral Baptist Church in Detroit create a learning center for seniors with computers donated by a local business. For the past year and a half, Anderson has volunteered with the federally-supported “Foster Grandparent” program, working at the Greenfield Union Elementary School to integrate computers into the classroom and establish a new learning center. The students call him “Grandfather Anderson,” and although he is only committed to working there 20 hours a week, he usually dedicates more time. He works one-on-one to mentor students and teach them basic desktop publishing skills. Anderson is also an ordained minister, and since 1981 he has offered his services to a number of churches on a volunteer basis.

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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