Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I rise today in support of House Resolution 1119, which supports the goals and ideals highlighted through National Volunteer Week. I am proud to have introduced this resolution, with my National Service Caucus cochairs, Representatives CHRIS SHAYS, DAVID PRICE, and DORIS MATSUI, as well as Representative BUCK MCKEON.
Mr. Speaker, National Volunteer Week was created in 1974, when President Richard Nixon signed an executive order to establish the week as an annual celebration of volunteering. Every year since that time, each President of the United States, along with many Governors, mayors, and other elected officials, have signed a proclamation promoting National Volunteer Week.
This year, National Volunteer Week is being recognized this very week, April 27 to May 3. Various events are being held throughout the Nation to promote the 2008 theme of ``Volunteer to Change the World.''
Throughout the history of the United States, Americans have valued an ethic of service. Volunteering not only has a positive impact on local communities, but also on the volunteer himself or herself. Those Americans who give their time to serve are valuable assets to our local communities, and National Volunteer Week is our opportunity to thank them for their service and to encourage others to serve.
Across our country, Americans of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities are donating their time and talents to schools, churches, hospitals, and local nonprofits in an effort to improve their communities and serve a purpose greater than themselves. According to data collected over the past 30 years by the United States Census Bureau, Americans are volunteering at historically high rates. Between September 2006 and September 2007, 61.2 million Americans donated their time to help others, by mentoring students, beautifying neighborhoods, restoring homes after disasters, and much more.
In fact, earlier this week I had the pleasure of participating in a recognition ceremony at a local senior center, the Red Land Area Senior Center in York County, Pennsylvania, where dozens of senior volunteers and others were recognized for thousands of hours of donated volunteer service time in 2007. In fact, the top two volunteers recognized, Jim Fitzkee and Leona Deardorff, each contributed almost 700 hours of volunteer service to this center in 2007.
Volunteering is not only a rewarding but a necessary aspect of meeting the most pressing needs facing our Nation, including combating crime and gangs, poverty, disasters, illiteracy, and homelessness. Volunteering is also an important part of maintaining the health of our citizens, as research consistently shows that those who volunteer, especially those 65 years of age and older, lead healthier lives than those who do not engage in their communities. The intangible benefits alone, such as pride, satisfaction, empowerment, and accomplishment are worthwhile reasons to serve and give back.
Today I would like to recognize the diligent efforts of our major federally funded community service and volunteer service programs, thank the millions of dedicated and caring volunteers for their service, and encourage all Americans to give of themselves to make a difference in their local communities. I urge my colleagues to support House Resolution 1119.
