President George W. Bush will meet Anita Isom, when he arrives in Cleveland, Ohio, on Friday, April 15, 2005. Isom, a seventh-grader at St. Mary’s Collinwood Catholic School, is actively involved in service projects to promote literacy among youth in low-income areas of Cleveland.

Anita received a Youth Leaders for Literacy grant from the National Education Association and Youth Service America in December 2004. This grant honors youth for participating in reading-related activities that benefit others. Using funds from the grant Anita organized a library card sign-up campaign, a writing workshop, a book club and poetry slam for teenagers, and a book drive.

In his January 2002 State of the Union Address, President Bush called on every American to dedicate two years or 4,000 hours over the course of their lives to volunteer service. He created USA Freedom Corps, an Office of the White House charged with strengthening and expanding volunteer service, to help more Americans engage in volunteer service. To thank volunteers for taking the time to make a difference in the lives of others, President Bush has met with more than 400 individuals around the country, like Isom, since March 2002.

Americans are responding to the President’s Call to Service. Studies show that approximately 5 million more Americans are volunteering today than just three years ago. Go to www.usafreedomcorps.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.usafreedomcorpskids.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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