FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, July 17, 2003
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The White House - USA Freedom Corps
Contact: Kathleen Mynster
202-456-7381 |
President Bush to Recognize Houston Woman for Dedication to Volunteer Service |
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President George W. Bush will meet Carmen S. Parker upon arrival in Houston,
Texas, on Saturday, July 19, 2003. Parker has been an active volunteer in the
Houston area for more than 12 years.
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 Parker, who are answering the call to volunteer service.
For the past 12 years, Parker has assisted with Volunteer Houston’s “A Visit
from St. Nicholas” program, which provides backpacks filled with toys and books
to thousands of disadvantaged children. Each year, Parker fills backpacks with
toys and distributes them to selected schools and helps raise funds to support
the program. Between 1998 and 2003, Parker served on the board of directors of
the Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, helping to raise
funds for new facilities, and between 1991 and 1994 she served as president of
the auxiliary board for Boys & Girls Harbor, a not-for-profit organization which
provides shelter for children in crisis due to neglect, abandonment, abuse or
family hardship.
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. This summer, the USA Freedom Corps is helping individuals,
families, and groups find opportunities to volunteer in their own neighborhoods
or on vacations away from home through the new “How I Spent My Summer”
initiative. More information on these opportunities is available at
www.usafreedomcorps.gov or by calling
1-877-USA-CORPS.
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