Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of USA Freedom Corps Desiree T. Sayle today joined members of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation to help renovate and enhance Watkins Elementary School in Southeast Washington, D.C.

“I am pleased to volunteer with members of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation and others as we make renovations to this school,” Sayle said. “President Bush has called on every American to make volunteer service an important part of their lives, and asked each of us to dedicate 4,000 hours or two years over the course of our lifetimes in service to others. The volunteers working on this school project today are joining Americans across the country in answering the President’s Call to Service.”

Participants made improvements to the playground, worked on landscaping, and spoke with students about the importance of volunteer service. Volunteers also built a memorial garden for a Watkins teacher who died last school year.

Sayle was joined by members of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, including Darrell Green, council chairman and NFL legend; Bob Nardelli, chairman, president, and CEO, The Home Depot; Michelle Nunn, president and CEO, Hands on Network; Bill Novelli, CEO, AARP; and Amber Coffman, founder, Happy Helpers for the Homeless. Also participating were David Eisner, CEO, Corporation for National and Community Service; U.S. Rep. John Boehner (R-OH), chairman, House Committee on Education and the Workforce; U.S. Rep. Johnny Isakson (R-GA); and employees of The Home Depot.

The President's Council on Service and Civic Participation was established by President George W. Bush and charged with finding ways to recognize and encourage volunteer service and civic participation. The members of the Council include entertainers, athletes, retired elected officials, business and media leaders, leaders of nonprofit and volunteer service organizations, and community volunteers. The President's Volunteer Service Awards, an important initiative of the Council, are presented to people of all ages who have demonstrated their dedication to volunteer service. The President's Council and the President's Volunteer Service Awards are administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service. More information about the Council and the Award is available at www.presidentialserviceawards.gov.

Through USA Freedom Corps, President Bush wants to help every American answer the Call to Service by strengthening and expanding service opportunities to protect our homeland, support our communities, and extend American compassion around the world. Interested volunteers can find information at www.usafreedomcorps.gov or by calling 1-877-USA-CORPS.

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