President George W. Bush will present the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Jane Cosco when he arrives 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.

In November 2003, Cosco, a retired teacher, created a student-centered service learning initiative called Operation Goody Bag at East Brook Middle School in Paramus, New Jersey.  Through this program students decorate lunch bags with patriotic designs and fill them with snacks, original poetry, and thank you letters and ship them to deployed troops.  On November 12, 2008, volunteers will fill the 100,000th Goody Bag.  Each week Cosco meets with over 60 middle and high school students to write letters, decorate and fill goody bags, or visit local first responder locations to learn about volunteer opportunities.  Through her program, students hold bi-monthly donation drives at a local supermarket chain and travel to schools and community groups to host goody bag packing events and to perform a Salute to the Troops multi-media tribute show. Operation Goody Bag is a member of America Supports You, a Department of Defense program that recognizes home front groups that provide support for military members and their families.

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. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 61 million Americans volunteered in 2006. Go to www.volunteer.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 www.volunteerkids.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 www.presidentialserviceawards.gov.

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