60K apply as Obama inauguration volunteers

WASHINGTON, Jan. 1 (UPI) -- At least 60,000 people have applied to be volunteers during the days of activities surrounding the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Barack Obama.

With several days of events, including the Jan. 20 swearing-in ceremony, the Presidential Inaugural Committee estimates it needs between 15,000 and 18,000 volunteers, The Washington Post reported Thursday.

"There's a hunger out there. People want to get involved," said transition committee spokesman Kevin Griffis. "People want to be a part of this thing ... a part of history."

Officials culled the application pool to about 27,000, Tripp Wellde, the committee's director of volunteers, told the Post. But with a deadline of 11:59 p.m. Friday, the applications keep coming via the committee's Web site.

While the unpaid workers likely won't get close to Obama, they will be fed, and receive a commemorative credential and a red winter cap, Wellde said.

The committee is looking for volunteers who know the Washington area to help give the anticipated throng of out-of-towners a positive experience, he said.

Wellde said volunteers who are accepted will be notified by e-mail.