President Obama Calls on Americans to “Give Back to Our Communities”
ROCKVILLE, MD — Goodwill Industries International will be among some 100 service organizations participating in President Obama’s National Day of Service Summit on the National Mall in Washington, DC, on Saturday, January 19, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In addition to being the kickoff event for the president’s inaugural activities, it will also serve to connect citizen volunteers with nonprofit organizations through which they can give of their time and talents in the coming year.
Calling on all Americans to “give back to our communities,” President Obama has announced that the theme of this year’s service is, “Learn, Serve and Pledge.” Fair attendees will be able to choose among organizations to volunteer either on the actual National Day of Service (Monday, January 21) or throughout the year.
“Goodwill is proud to be a part of the president’s National Day of Service effort and educate the public about how our organization impacts economic development in communities throughout the country,” said Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. “For 110 years, Goodwill’s mission has been to help people find jobs and reach their full potential through the power of work. As always, our network of community-based agencies will gladly welcome volunteers on the day of service and all year long.”
President Obama began the National Day of Service in 2009 as a way to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Service Summit is free to attend and open to the public, though volunteers are asked to RSVP in advance at www.2013pic.org/service/serve. The event will feature speakers and performers, including Honorary Chair Chelsea Clinton, actress and Presidential Inaugural Committee co-chair Eva Longoria and singer-songwriter Ben Folds.
