WASHINGTON, D.C. – First Lady Laura Bush yesterday called on students across the country to spend their spring and summer breaks helping to rebuild communities in the Gulf Coast. Mrs. Bush made the call while participating in a KaBoom playground build at Hancock North Central Elementary School in Kiln, Mississippi.

“I want to encourage all Americans, especially high school and college-age students, to volunteer this year. Use your spring break or your summer vacation, and come down and volunteer somewhere here on the Gulf Coast,” said Mrs. Bush.

To help student groups organize a service trip, USA Freedom Corps is featuring the Universities Rebuilding America Partnership (URAP)toolkit. In addition to providing practical information, the toolkit is designed to help campus organizers think through important elements of the travel and work experience such as choosing the best sites and sponsoring organizations that fit the goals and needs of the group; orienting group members for the work trip, including training and education; and providing opportunities for individual and group reflection. The toolkit and additional resources can be found at http://www.usafreedomcorps.gov.

“Response by the American people to the devastation caused by the hurricanes in the Gulf Coast region has been unprecedented,” Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of USA Freedom Corps Desiree T. Sayle said. “Students, particularly those in college, are well-positioned to offer their talents. Spring and summer breaks create ideal short-term opportunities for students who want to participate in the long-term process of rebuilding stronger communities in the Gulf Coast. It is our hope that this experience will inspire them to a lifetime of service.”

USA Freedom Corps, an Office of the White House, was created by PresidentBushto strengthen and expand volunteer service by Americans. For more information about getting involved in the President’s Call to Service, please visit http://www.usafreedomcorps.gov or call 1-877-USA-CORPS.

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