Public Relations Director

(517) 335-7875 - office

greenefarmerc@michigan.gov

Today, Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth Director Stanley "Skip" Pruss is supporting United We Serve, a national effort launched by President Obama and supported by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and her cabinet to engage more Americans in serving their communities this summer. 

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

The Tuesday Toolmen of Kalamazoo, a group of retired, skilled tradesmen who volunteer their time and talents to help low-income seniors in need within their community, will receive the President's Volunteer Service Award.   Last year, this group, which is sponsored by Senior Services, Inc., volunteered nearly 2,100 hours to assist area seniors and disabled citizens.

In support of the Tuesday Toolmen's latest effort - an Energy Efficient Light Bulb Drive - and in recognition of United We Serve's Energy and Environment Week (August 3-9), Home Depot of Portage will donate 400 energy -efficient light bulbs.  The Drive, which will last throughout the summer, is aimed at providing energy savings to low income seniors.  Lighting represents 20 percent of home electricity bills.  Switching from incandescent bulbs to Energy Star qualified CFL is an easy way to save on energy bills and help the environment.

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 five key areas:  education, health, energy and the environment; community renewal and safety and security.  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."

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 Organizations and more than 28,000 Certifying Organizations to 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 and 20 Learn and Serve programs.  The Governor's Service Awards, VIG 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.

About Tuesday Toolmen of Kalamazoo

This group was founded in Kalamazoo, Michigan, by Annie Morgan, nearly 12 years ago to assist with the Home Repair Program sponsored by Senior Services, Inc.  These volunteers provide their skills to help low-income seniors remain safely in their homes and prevent premature placement in assisted living facilities and nursing homes.