WASHINGTON, Nov. 30 (UPI) -- President George W. Bush used his Saturday radio address this Thanksgiving weekend to implore Americans to show compassion for other Americans by volunteering in different ways to help people less fortunate.
"Taking time to count our own blessings reminds us that many people struggle every day -- men, women, and children facing hunger, homelessness, illness, addiction, or despair. These are not strangers. They are fellow Americans needing comfort, love, and compassion," Bush said.
"I ask all Americans to consider how you can give someone in need a reason to be thankful in this holiday season and throughout the year."
Bush said it's easy to get started in helping others and to having an immediate impact.
"Volunteering your time at a soup kitchen, teaching a child to read, visiting a patient in the hospital, or taking a meal to an elderly neighbor or a shut-in are all simple acts of compassion that can brighten someone's life, " Bush said.
"Every act of love and generosity, however small it may seem, is significant. Every time you reach out to a neighbor in need you touch a life, you improve your community, and you strengthen our nation," he added.
This has been an often repeated theme for the president and first lady Laura Bush since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Bush noted that he had created the USA Freedom Corps office in the White House "to harness the power of millions of acts of charity, compassion, and love to make America a better place."
He said he was "proud of the millions of Americans who have answered the call to service," but urged others to become involved.
"There's no better time than this season of Thanksgiving to renew our commitment to helping those in need. The USA Freedom Corp Web site -- USAFreedomCorp.gov -- is a wonderful place to get started. This resource offers valuable information about service opportunities in your home town, across America, an around the world. You can also get information by calling 1-877-USA-CORPS," Bush said.
"The blessings we have received take on special meaning in this time of challenge for our country, " the president said. "Over the last year, millions of Americans have found renewed appreciation for our liberty and for the men and women who serve in its defense. We have held our family and our friends closer, spending more time together, and letting them know we love them," Bush said.
