On Thursday, September 1, 2005, President George W. Bush announced a nationwide charitable fundraising effort to be led by former President George H.W. Bush and former President Bill Clinton to aid the Gulf Coast victims of Hurricane Katrina. Today, USA Freedom Corps, USA Freedom Corps, an office of the White House charged with promoting a culture of service, citizenship, and responsibility in America, along with the Ad Council distributed three public service announcements for television.

Featuring former Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton, the public service ads direct Americans to visit www.usafreedomcorps.gov where they can find a listing of state relief funds now established in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, as well as links to humanitarian organizations accepting donations to aid in the disaster relief. The PSAs will run in advertising time and space that is donated by the media. The ads were filmed in the White House Library on Thursday, September 1, 2005.

Please click the links below to view each public service announcement.

“Hurricane Relief” - :50/:10 TV, As produced

President Clinton:

It’s heartbreaking to watch what our fellow citizens in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama are going through. It invokes within all of us a desire to help. And everyone can help.

President Bush:

We know Americans are generous, compassionate people. That is why we come to you again, not as Presidents, but as private citizens.

President Clinton:

The best way to help now is to make a cash donation. Every contribution, big or small, will impact a life. Visit usafreedomcorps.gov for more information on how to give.

President Bush:

Our fellow Americans along the Gulf Coast will need the help of this country for a long time. It will be a difficult road, but when tragedy strikes, Americans respond.

President Clinton:

And America is better for it.

Both:

Thank you.

“Hurricane Relief” - :30 TV, As produced

President Bush:

America’s greatest strengths are the generosity and the compassion of the people.

President Clinton:

Because of Hurricane Katrina, we come to you, not as Presidents, but as private citizens.

President Bush:

Right now in the recovery, it’s important for those who want to help, to make a cash donation.

President Clinton:

Everyone can help and every dollar will impact someone’s life. Please visit usafreedomcorps.gov for more information.

President Bush:

The people along the Gulf Coast region will need the help of this country for a long time.

Both:

Thank you.

“Hurricane Relief” - :10 TV, As produced

President Bush:

The toll of Hurricane Katrina has affected all of us.

President Clinton:

And we can all do something to help. Please, visit usafreedomcorps.gov.

Both:

Thank you.

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