President George W. Bush will present the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Sam Delis when he arrives at the airport in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Wednesday, August 30, 2006.  Delis organized a clothing donation program for Hurricane Katrina evacuees.  To thank them for making a difference in the lives of others, President Bush honors a local volunteer, called a USA Freedom Corps Greeter, when he travels throughout the United States.  President Bush has met with more than 500 individuals around the country, like Delis, since March 2002.

Following Hurricane Katrina, evacuees were relocated to Utah National Guard Camp W.G. Williams for temporary housing.  Prior to their arrival, Delis organized volunteers from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian Services to welcome the families and provide them with clothing, shoes and hygiene kits.  The volunteers set up a makeshift store in the barracks on Camp W.G. Williams where evacuees could shop free of charge for essential items.  The program lasted for one month and was supported by more than 1,400 volunteers from the LDS Church as well as other churches and organizations.

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.

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