Vice President Dick Cheney presented the President's Volunteer Service Award, on behalf of President George W. Bush, to  Teresa Lindsey in Reno, Nevada, on Friday, October 3, 2008.  Lindsey has been the volunteer coordinator for three years with the Black Stallion Literacy Project, a program that introduces first grade students to the joy of reading through interaction with horses and distribution of the Black Stallion children's books. She organizes Reading, Rodeo, and Responsibility assemblies at 25 elementary schools in Washoe County in which volunteers encourage students to improve their literacy skills and horse handlers give children a hands-on experience with horses.  In addition, Lindsey is a volunteer with the Reno Rodeo Foundation's annual Denim Drive, a program in which volunteers collect new and gently used denim clothing for distribution to 1,200 children who have been placed in protective custody and foster care.

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. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 61 million Americans volunteered in 2006. 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.

###