FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, February 13, 2004
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The White House - USA Freedom Corps
Contact: Kathleen Mynster 202-456-7381 |
President Bush to Recognize Tampa Man for Dedication to Volunteer Service |
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President George W. Bush will meet Candido Corona upon arrival in Tampa,
Florida, on Sunday, February 15, 2004. Corona has volunteered each year with
Paint Your Heart Out Tampa since 1998.
Last month, the USA Freedom Corps – President Bush’s initiative to engage all
Americans in service to their neighbors and their nation – celebrated its second
anniversary. President Bush is recognizing individuals around the country, like
Corona, who are answering the call to volunteer service.
For the past six years, Corona has been an active volunteer with Paint Your
Heart Out Tampa, an annual event held every April that invites citizens,
businesses and local organizations to volunteer and help paint homes for
low-income, elderly citizens living in the Tampa area. Each year, Corona serves
as a team leader and works with homeowners to evaluate specific needs,
determines if any repair work needs to be done prior to painting and supervises
volunteers during the day of service. Corona and his team of volunteers also
report additional needed repairs to local organizations that are able to provide
follow-up assistance for elderly homeowners after the event is over. Throughout
the year, Corona continues to work with senior residents in his community,
helping with painting repairs as needed. Corona also volunteers with the United
Way of America and has served as a team captain during the annual American Heart
Association Heart Walk for the past eight years.
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. Interested volunteers can find opportunities in their own
neighborhoods through the USA Freedom Corps web site at
www.usafreedomcorps.gov or by
calling 1-877-USA-CORPS.
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