The Service News Digest is a regular feature on the Serve.Gov blog. In this series, we showcase news highlights that feature national service and Corporation for National and Community Service programs. Take a look at some of the great stories that had people talking recently.

Winthrop Students Collect Books, Read to Children
The Rock Hill Herald, December 9, 2011

"They bring in large, traveling tents and set them up in rural areas," explained Matthew Sohner, AmeriCorps VISTA worker at Winthrop University. "People walk for miles to come in and spend the day reading books with the children, and they take books home. It's an opportunity to increase literacy in an area that really doesn't have a structured library available in every community." Read more >>

AmeriCorps Clearing Trails for Marine Education Center
WLOX-TV, December 8, 2011

AmeriCorps workers are wrapping-up a trail making project in Ocean Springs. They've spent the past several weeks removing Katrina debris from the University of Southern Mississippi owned Cedar Point property. The AmeriCorps team helped create a series of trails in the woods adjacent to the Gulf Coast Research Lab's Cedar Point facilities. Read more >>

Reaffirming Our Commitment to National Service
The Hill, December 6, 2011

As the country struggles to get the economy moving forward and families and communities are seeking new and cost-effective ways to solve the problems they face, those participating in citizen service across the country are quietly rolling up their sleeves and bringing new ideas and new energy to solving the problems related to education, affordable housing, energy and much more. Read more >>

AmeriCorps Team Working to Make Iowa Greener
The Cedar Rapids Gazette, December 7, 2011

The group's mission is to assist Iowans in developing a “green” consciousness through home energy audits, environmental education and community outreach. Members, who earn a stipend for their 10 months of service, have been involved in tree planting, highway cleanup, solar car modules, developing eco-crafts and educational discussions on recycling and reducing personal energy consumption. Read more >>

Group Deploys Aides for Military's Children
The Tampa Tribune, December 6, 2011

Sims is a volunteer with the Foster Grandparent Program, part of Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay Inc., a nonprofit organization that offers senior citizens a chance to serve as mentors.For nearly three decades, the Foster Grandparent Program has provided volunteers such as Sims to schools in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties with the largest concentration of poverty. Read more >>

Glory Mose's Military Service Helps her Connect with Veterans
The Ventura County Star, December 2, 2011

Glory Mose was a company commander for three platoons while serving as a registered nurse in the Army. Now the 67-year-old Oxnard resident volunteers at Oxnard Family Circle supporting local veterans through the Senior Companion Program. Read more >>

Native American students and educators face a unique set of circumstances surrounding tribal communities, including poverty, loss of culture and identity, and high suicide rates, all threatening students' academic success.
 

On the National Service blog, the past few weeks have been dedicated to veterans. We've shared stories of WWII and Gulf War vets, of vets inspiring and helping young people, and of vets serving their country on the battlefield, and off.
 

Among the milestone events that have marked our nation's history, World Word II is one everyone knows of but few remember. The heroes of that war, their shared sacrifice and their continued dedication, shows they truly are the greatest generation. Montana's Bernard Mulder, 89, is one of these heroes.
 

It's no secret that personal attention in the classroom can deliver big results on a report card. For children of military families, that extra kindness can be even more crucial.
 

As Veteran's Day nears, we look to honor those of the "Greatest Generation" who so valiantly served our country during World War II. Today, these heroes are still serving today – tutoring and mentoring at-risk youth, serving veteran and military families, and helping fellow seniors stay independent in their own homes.
 

When Joseph Aragon heads to school in the morning you won't find him toting a backpack stuffed with school supplies or carrying a lunchbox. Instead, this 64 year-old brings with him a lifetime of experience and knowledge to share with the students of Blanche Pope Elementary School on the Hawaiian Homestead land in Waimanalo.
 

Though retired from the service for 14 years, 68 year-old veteran Larry Mills found he wasn't done serving. He answered this call by serving fellow veterans through the Senior Companion program, one of three Senior Corps programs at the Corporation for National and Community Service.
 

Three years ago Chris Oliver was unemployed and facing homelessness after being evicted from his Dallas apartment. He turned to City Square, a local nonprofit that provides vital services to neighbors struggling with poverty. City Square didn't just help Chris put food on the table – it gave him a second chance on life. He joined City Square's AmeriCorps program, where he served for two years. Now Chris has a full-time position working in the organization's homeless outreach program.
 

59-year-old Lillie Lanser is one of the millions of Americans affected by the economic downturn. She spent years as a legal secretary, but when she was laid off in 2009, Lanser realized that unemployment allowed her to pursue a new direction in her life – service. As a volunteer, she found a passion for giving back and created the Cancer Pilot Transport Program while an RSVP volunteer with Senior Corps.
 

Fifty years ago, President John F. Kennedy inspired a generation by asking Americans what they could do for their country. Today, as many in the baby boomer generation approach retirement age, they are still serving their country, enriching their own lives in the process.
 

Columbus, OH is home to the second-largest Somali population in the U.S. and the number of low-income, aging immigrants with little or no family nearby is growing. Speaking little or no English and no access to transportation, Somali seniors are struggling to continue living independent lives.
 

For too many veterans, returning home from war does not mean the battle is over. In fact, for some, the battle has just begun. Adjusting to civilian life can be challenging, especially when a veteran is suffering from an injury, depression, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Yet, some returning soldiers can neither drive nor have the daily support necessary to make it to the frequent appointments required for treatment—creating stress for themselves and their families.
 

Today marks the beginning of the second annual Senior Corps Week! This week celebrates the commitment and contribution made by Senior Corps volunteers and recognizes their critical impact on addressing tough challenges across our nation.
 

Seeing is believing. RSVP volunteers in Indiana believe that all children have the right to see and see well. And thanks to Prevent Blindness Indiana, which trains RSVPs to conduct vision tests, they can play an important role in making sure that happens.
 

Superwoman. That should be RSVP volunteer Evelyn Hildebrand's new name. If you're ever able to catch up with her,she's probably volunteering.