Release No. 0103.07
Contact: Keith Williams (202) 720-4623
Magda Angulo (202) 720-3874
Printable version
Johanns Volunteers at Capital Area Food Bank for National Volunteer Week
WASHINGTON, April 20, 2006 - Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today celebrated
National Volunteer Week by helping to sort and package food at the Capital Area
Food Bank, where he commended all volunteers who give their time to improve
their communities.
"National Volunteer Week is about thanking one of America's most valuable assets
- our volunteers - and highlighting all they do to improve our communities,"
said Johanns. "Americans have a long tradition of generously giving their time
and talents. I believe volunteerism is part of the strength of our nation and I
applaud all those who contribute to that strength."
On behalf of President Bush, Johanns presented one volunteer, Hannah Hawkins,
with the President's Volunteer Service Award for her contributions to the
Capital Area Food Bank. Ms. Hawkins, a life-long D.C. resident, retired from the
D.C. Public Schools in the 1970s and began a retirement career as a volunteer
civic leader, which continues today. She has volunteered more than 4,000 hours
to benefit her community, which exemplifies the theme for National Volunteer
Week 2007, "Inspire By Example."
The Capital Area Food Bank is the largest public, nonprofit food and nutrition
education resource in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area. Last year, the
Capital Area Food Bank distributed 20 million pounds of food, including 6
million pounds of fresh produce, to over 700 partner agencies. The Capital Area
Food Bank has served the National Capital Region for 27 years.
Volunteers represent a valuable asset in USDA's efforts to reach more people
with its programs and be more successful in alleviating hunger and building
stronger communities. Every day, volunteers put USDA commodities into boxes at
food banks, help fellow citizens enroll in the Food Stamp Program, and build
houses for the poor through USDA Rural Development programs. Volunteers also
play an important role in USDA's food aid programs overseas -- helping to
deliver food and humanitarian assistance to millions in developing countries
around the world USDA considers volunteers to be important "silent partners" in
its programs, and is grateful for their dedication and compassion.
For more information about volunteer opportunities, please visit the USA Freedom
Corps website at www.volunteer.gov.
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Last modified:
03/27/2008
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