"Listen, people want to help. I repeat, make sure that this help doesn't take the place of other help you're giving, but if you do want to continue to help, and I ask you to do so, please go to www.usafreedomcorps.gov."

President George W. Bush
Remarks about the Tsunami relief effort at
USAID headquarters in Washington, D.C.
January 10, 2005

• PEACE CORPS TO SEND VOLUNTEERS TO TSUNAMI RAVAGED THAILAND.
  To assist those people whose lives were shattered by the tsunamis in Asia, Peace Corps Director Gaddi H. Vasquez announced this week that 30 former volunteers will be returning overseas as part of the Peace Corps’ Crisis Corps program in Thailand. The volunteers will arrive shortly after Director Vasquez returns from Thailand, as part of an evaluation trip scheduled to begin on January 23....
  click here to read the full article
  
  In an effort to assist the Crisis Corps volunteers as they work to rebuild lives throughout the region, the Peace Corps has also established the Southeast Asia Tsunami Fund. Contributions to this fund will support volunteer-led projects, as volunteers address the social and economic impact of the disaster and focus on reconstruction. As with all donations to the Peace Corps Partnership Program, 100 percent of every donation will be used in the affected communities.
  click here to learn how to support the volunteers
   
• MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY 2005: A DAY ON, NOT A DAY OFF.
  For hundreds of thousands of Americans across the country, January 17, 2005 will be a day “on” for service-not just a day off from work-as they honor Martin Luther King Jr. by engaging in service activities for their communities and neighbors. This year’s event marks the 10th anniversary of observing the King Holiday as a day of service. In 1994, Congress passed legislation encouraging Americans to celebrate the King Holiday as a day of service reflecting Dr. King's life and teachings….
  click here to read the full article

• PRESIDENT BUSH PROCLAIMS NATIONAL MENTORING MONTH 2005. 
  This week, President George W. Bush declared January 2005 National Mentoring Month, saying, “During National Mentoring Month, we recognize the role models who have influenced lives, and we continue to support programs that help the young people of America. Mentoring programs pair a child in need with a caring adult who can help that child understand the importance of making the right choices in life. It is one of the best ways to send young people the right messages. Through friendship and encouragement, mentors can help prepare young Americans for a hopeful future…."
  click here to read the full article

• HELP TSUNAMI DISASTER VICTIMS.  The United States is actively participating in a massive international response to help the victims of this disaster. President Bush made an initial commitment of $350 million for disaster relief. Additionally, President Bush asked former Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton to lead a nationwide charitable fundraising effort to encourage private donations to the relief effort. Millions of dollars have been donated by individuals and corporations across our Nation. Americans are being asked to donate money to organizations listed www.usafreedomcorps.gov....
  click here to take action now!

• PRESIDENT BUSH RECOGNIZES 400th USA FREEDOM CORPS GREETER FOR DEDICATION TO VOLUNTEER SERVICE.  President George W. Bush presented the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Don Kotchman when he arrived at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan, on Friday, January 7, 2005. Kotchman, an Army colonel, is an active volunteer with Boy Scouts of America and as a coach for youth sports programs. Since March 2002, President Bush has met with 400 individuals around the country, like Kotchman, who are answering the call to volunteer service….
  click here to read the full article

VISIT WWW.USAFREEDOMCORPSKIDS.GOV

Visit the new USA Freedom Corps Kids website, designed to show elementary and middle school students how they can start making a difference by volunteering. www.usafreedomcorpskids.gov also includes resources, ideas, and information to help parents and teachers engage America’s youth in their communities.

Honor volunteers in your community with the
PRESIDENT'S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD

Please visit www.PresidentialServiceAwards.gov or call 1-866-545-5307 for more information.

FIND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES NOW

Americans of all ages are serving others in countless ways, by mentoring a child, caring for an elderly neighbor, teaching someone to read, or donating food and clothing to those who need them. No matter where you live or what interests you, you can find ways to volunteer in your community or overseas.

To find a volunteer opportunity, please click here.

THANK YOU

Thank you for expressing interest in volunteer service. When you help your neighbors, you help your Nation. You can make a difference.

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The mission of the USA Freedom Corps is to foster a culture of citizenship, service, and responsibility.

www.usafreedomcorps.gov
1-877-USA-CORPS

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