Posted on 12/21/2003 4:43:49 AM PST by anniegetyourgun
President Bush urged Americans to seek out ways to help the needy during the holiday season, and he took credit for a rise in volunteerism nationwide.
"This holiday season, I ask every American to look for a challenge in your own community, and step forward to lend a hand," Bush said in his weekly radio address Saturday.
"Particularly in this time of giving, our thoughts turn to fellow citizens who face hardship, or illness, or loneliness," he said. "Their burden often seems even greater at Christmastime, yet the hope of this season was meant for them, as well."
Bush cited a government report issued this week that found more people in the United States volunteered their time in the past year. About 63.8 million people, or 28.8 percent of the civilian population age 16 and older, performed volunteer work at some time between September 2002 and September 2003, the Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics said. That's up from 59.8 million, or 27.4 percent, from the previous year.
"This increase in volunteering is evidence of the new culture of service we are building in America, especially among young people," the president said.
He gave a large share of the credit to his call for national service after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, and the USA Freedom Corps he established to promote the campaign.
"America's 63 million volunteers are setting a fine example for our nation," Bush said. "They are meeting essential needs in their communities - and they know the fulfillment that only comes from serving a cause greater than self."
Bush and his wife, Laura, will be at Camp David, Md., Tuesday to Friday, then at their Crawford, Texas ranch through Jan. 4, the White House said.
Amen to President Bush's call to volunteerism. I work for a non-profit, and I know how much we appreciate the extra help. Certainly other organizations can use the assistance too. Pick your cause and pitch in, and thank you, President Bush, for bringing attention to this need. Please just remind everyone again throughout the year!
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