Ahmed was on hand at the Mid-Michigan Food Bank to officially recognize the significant role that volunteerism plays in addressing many of our communities' serious challenges and demonstrate DHS' support of United We Serve.  Additionally, Ahmed awarded two-long-time Mid-Michigan Food Bank volunteers with President's Volunteer Service Awards. 

"In these tough economic times, we need more volunteers than ever," said DHS Director Ismael Ahmed.  " Michigan's nonprofit organizations are facing increased demands for services, and volunteers can help fill this growing need.  I am pleased to participate in United We Serve and thank the President for making this call to service."

United We Serve kicked off on June 22 and runs through September 11, which will be marked for the first time as a National Day of Service and Remembrance.  The initiative focuses on four key areas:  education, health, energy and the environment; and community renewal.  It is being led by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that improves lives and strengthens communities through volunteering and service.  In Michigan, the Michigan Community Service Commission - which is chaired by First Gentleman Mulhern - will lead the effort.  "This summer, I'm calling on all of you to make volunteerism and community service part of your daily life and the life of this nation," said President Obama. "Economic recovery is as much about what you're doing as what we're doing in Washington - and it's going to take all of us, working together."

Additionally, Betty Noverr and Pauline Vannek, two long-time volunteers will receive the President's Volunteer Service Award in recognition of their service efforts with the Mid-Michigan Food Bank.  Both Noverr and Vannek have volunteered together at the Food Bank for four hours every Thursday and assisted with various special events for many years.  

"Extraordinary individuals like Betty Noverr and Pauline Vannek deserve our heartfelt thanks for giving of themselves to ensure families receive meals, "said Director Ahmed. "It is an honor to recognize them for their commitment to the greater good and making a difference in the lives of Ingham County's families."

For individuals or organizations interested in joining the United We Serve effort, the Corporation created www.serve.gov, a website that allows visitors to recruit volunteers by posting their organization's projects or get ideas for creating their own projects with friends, families, and neighbors.  For local and state volunteering opportunities and additional information on the Presidential Service Award program, individuals are also encouraged to visit www.michigan.gov/volunteer.  Individuals who contribute at least 100 hours of service during the summer will be eligible to receive a President's Volunteer Service Award.  Additional information on this opportunity is available through www.michigan.gov/volunteer.

BACKGROUND

The President's Volunteer Service Award recognizes individuals, families, and groups that have achieved a certain standard - measured by the number of hours of service over a 12-month period or cumulative hours earned over the course of a lifetime.  To date, the President's Council has partnered with more than 80 Leadership Organizationsand more than 28,000 Certifying Organizationsto bestow more than 1.5 million awards to the Nation's deserving volunteers.

The Michigan Community Service Commission builds a culture of service by providing vision and resources to strengthen communities through volunteerism.  In 2009-2010, the MCSC is granting more than $7.7 million in federal and state funds to local communities for volunteer programs and activities.  The MCSC is funding 19 AmeriCorps programs, 20 Learn and Serve programs, and 8 Volunteer Investment Grants.  The Governor's Service Awards and Mentor Michigan are also premier programs of the MCSC.  The MCSC is housed in the Michigan Department of Human Services, whose mission is to assist children, families, and vulnerable adults to be safe, stable, and self-supporting.  The Corporation for National and Community Service grants federal funding that the MCSC administers to its programs.

The Mid-Michigan Food Bank helps prevent hunger in our community by distributing salvaged food products, including produce and fresh foods at low or no cost, to area non-profit agencies serving the hungry.