Hurricane Response and Recovery:
Visit www.volunteer.gov

On September 13, 2008, Hurricane Ike made landfall along the Texas coast, the seventh consecutive named storm to strike the United States.  Today, national service participants and volunteers in the Gulf Coast and across the Nation are responding in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike.  USA Freedom Corps is working with our federal, state and local partners to respond to the needs of those affected by the recent storms.

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Click here for information on donations
Find a volunteer opportunity in the hurricane-affected areas

President Bush Meets
Big and Little Sister of the Year

On September 10, Big Sister Miriam Mills and Little Sister Arleth Lopez joined President Bush at the White House for a photo opportunity. Miriam and Arleth were matched by the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization 8 years ago. Miriam Mills was chosen as the "Big Sister of the Year" based on the positive impact and outcomes she had in the development of her Little Sister and her ability to articulate the Big Brothers Big Sisters mission and goals.  President Bush began the tradition of meeting with the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization in 2005.

Learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters

USDA Secretary Ed Schafer Visits
Food Bank and Honors Volunteer

On September 9, USDA Secretary Ed Schafer visited the Capital Area Food Bank to tour the facilities and help sort foods that will be distributed in the DC area; and to present the President’s Volunteer Service Award.  Schafer commended all volunteers who give their time to improve their communities and help those in need, and presented Dave Willey, a food bank volunteer with the President's Volunteer Service Award for his contributions to the Capital Area Food Bank. Mr. Willey has volunteered over 500 hours to the Capital Area Food Bank by assisting in the food bank's expansion. USDA employees conducted a food drive from June 2, through August 29, 2008, at several USDA locations in the National Capital Region.

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President Bush Meets
Boys and Girls Clubs Youth of the Year

Felicia Arriaga, Shonnetta Henry, Ashley Turner, Naquasia Pinchback and Jamaal Phillips, regional finalists for Boys and Girls Clubs of America "Youth of the Year" met President Bush at the White House on September 15.  The Youth of the Year program recognizes outstanding contributions made to a Club member's family, school, community and Boys and Girls Club, as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome.  All finalists then attended a Congressional Breakfast on September 17th where Shonnetta Henry was announced as the 2008 - 2009 "Youth of the Year."  Shonnetta begins a one year term as the teen spokesperson for all Boys and Girls Club members.

Learn more about Boys and Girls Clubs

Citizen Corps and My Good Deed Sign Statement of Affiliation

At a White House ceremony on September 9, Citizen Corps signed a Statement of Affiliation with MyGoodDeed.org, heralding a new collaborative partnership to help promote volunteer service and encourage citizens to participate in disaster preparedness and response activities. The two organizations will also work together to help promote 9/11 as a day of charitable service.

Learn more
Visit www.citizencorps.gov

Download the New 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)