"If you volunteer to make your community a better place, you're adding to the great compassion of America. And so, for those of you who are taking time out of your life to help feed the hungry or provide shelter for the homeless, or love somebody who hurts, I want to thank you for being a soldier in the army of compassion. Thank you for setting such a good example, Reggie."

President George W. Bush
Speaking about USA Freedom Corps
greeter Reggie Wright
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
February 16, 2005

• FORMER PRESIDENTS BUSH AND CLINTON VISIT TSUNAMI-AFFECTED AREAS; CONTINUE TO CALL ON AMERICANS TO DONATE.  At the request of President George W. Bush, former Presidents George Bush and Bill Clinton led a Presidential delegation to tour tsunami-affected areas in Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives from February 19-21, 2005. The trip provided an opportunity for the two former Presidents to learn more about the needs in the region to aid them in their efforts to encourage additional donations; allowed them the opportunity to build and sustain goodwill on behalf of the United States; and draw the world’s attention to the continuing needs in the region. President George W. Bush has requested that Congress provide $950 million in U.S. government assistance for tsunami aid. Additionally, estimates from the Center on Philanthropy at the University of Indiana currently place the level of American private-sector donations for tsunami relief, recovery, and reconstruction at more than one billion dollars. Those wishing to make monetary donations can visit www.usafreedomcorps.gov for more information….
  click here to donate
   
• CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE ANNOUNCES $27 MILLION IN AMERICORPS FUNDING.  In its first major round of AmeriCorps grants in 2005, the Corporation for National and Community Service recently announced grants to 13 national and local organizations to support 9,849 new AmeriCorps positions. These grants will support AmeriCorps members in projects across the nation to teach in low-income school districts, restore parks and trails, mentor at-risk youth, serve people with disabilities, and mobilize volunteers to meet other vital community needs….
  click here to read the full article
   
• OHIO’S FIRST LADY HOPE TAFT CELEBRATES VALENTINE’S DAY WITH MARRIED VOLUNTEERS.  On Valentine's Day, Ohio's First Lady Hope Taft honored 23 couples at the annual Joined Hearts in Giving event. Joined Hearts in Giving was created by Mrs. Taft to honor Ohioans married 50 years or longer, and who share a commitment to volunteerism - particularly as volunteers with children or in youth education. Kari Dunn, Executive Director of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation, joined Mrs. Taft to present the honorees with President's Volunteer Service Awards for their lifetime volunteer efforts and service to others. Mrs. Taft is a member of the President’s Council....
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• CHAT WITH A PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEER.  As part this year's Peace Corps Week activities, the Peace Corps will host daily online chat sessions next week, February 28-March 4, connecting a current Volunteer with potential applicants, students, and other members of the Peace Corps' website audience....
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• PRESIDENT BUSH RECOGNIZES NORTH CAROLINA MAN FOR DEDICATION TO VOLUNTEER SERVICE.  President George W. Bush presented the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Jim Van Strien when he arrived in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Thursday, February 10, 2005. Van Strien, 72, is an active volunteer with the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program....
  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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