March 6, 2008
HP-864

Secretary Paulson Recognizes Individual for Dedication to Volunteer Service

Oakland, Calif. – Secretary Henry M. Paulson, Jr. presented the President's Volunteer Service Award to Gayliene Omary as part of the USA Freedom Corps Volunteer Service Recognition Program today in Oakland, Calif. Omary has completed 27,000 hours of volunteer service.

Gayliene Omary is a Wholesale Account Executive for the Bank of America through which she began her involvement with Operation Hope's "Banking on Our Future" and taught the importance of using your money wisely in grade schools, middle schools, and high schools. She received the Banking on Our Future Volunteer of the Year 2007 award for her efforts. In addition, Omary is a volunteer trainer for the Contra Costa Child Abuse Prevention Council, where she trains adults who are in contact with children to spot, and hopefully, end, any abuse to a child.

In his January 2002 State of the Union Address, President Bush called on all Americans to make a difference in their communities through volunteer service. He created USA Freedom Corps, an Office of the White House, to strengthen and expand volunteer service. Americans are responding to the President's Call to Service. Go to www.volunteer.gov or call 1-877-USA-CORPS to find an existing volunteer service opportunity in your area or to find more information about service programs, including national service programs such as the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and Citizen Corps. USA Freedom Corps is also highlighting youth volunteer service. Visit www.volunteerkids.gov for games and ideas designed to show how America's youth are making a difference.

The President's Volunteer Service Award was created at the President's direction by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. The Award is available to youth ages 14 and under who have completed 50 or more hours of volunteer service; to individuals 15 and older who have completed 100 or more hours; and to families or groups who have completed 200 or more hours. For more information about the Award, please visit www.presidentialserviceawards.gov.