Service Updates

Americans dedicated to community service helped kick off Inauguration Weekend today in D.C. and across the country. This morning, thousands of folks came by the National Day of Service Summit on the National Mall and got involved in giving back to their communities. And, across the country, people in all 50 states participated in service projects—from painting schools to putting together care packages for veterans. The President and the First Lady lent a hand at Burrville Elementary School at Washington, D.C., while the Vice President and Dr. Biden took part in a service event at the DC Armory, pitching in with thousands of volunteers to put together care packages for our troops overseas.

This evening, Katy Perry, Usher, and the cast of Glee headlined the Kids’ Inaugural concert for military families, hosted by the First Lady and Dr. Biden.

Don’t miss out on the rest of the 57th Presidential Inauguration—check out the official schedule.

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“You are kidding, you are kidding—wow! Wow!” said Leroy Reshard after learning he won the Pledge to Serve contest. The competition gave folks who pledged to serve on the National Day of Service an opportunity to win tickets to the 57th Presidential Inauguration. Leroy embodies the spirit of what President Obama wants to promote through the Day of Service: a lifelong commitment to helping others.

A retired sales representative from Westchester, Ohio, Leroy is the father of two daughters and has been married for 34 years. After being promoted at his company, he realized something was missing. “I was not happy and began to volunteer with an at-risk student. I realized that he helped me more than I helped him. Working with this young man gave meaning to my life. When you can help someone reach beyond their expectations—it’s a great feeling. Especially a young boy that had grown up without a father. One of these days the boy will say ‘I’m salesman because of you, Mr. Reshard.’” Since 1993, Leroy has become a board member at his local YMCA, is involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and continues to work with at-risk teenagers every week.

The National Day of Service looks to leaders like Leroy to organize community events and get other folks to join in. He appreciates that the President dedicates the time during Inauguration Weekend to recognize community work: “This means a lot to me and to the country for the President to be focusing on service above self in memory of Dr. King. So many people go to work every day and have no idea what’s going on—there is a community of people who need uplifting.”

Leroy has never attended an inauguration, and he says he’s looking forward to seeing the President and Vice President sworn-in for the last time. “I can’t wait to see the excitement in the air among all the people. It will be an occasion that I will never forget.”

Join Leroy and the thousands of other Americans who have made service part of their life—say you’ll be part of the National Day of Service.

Peter Norback isn’t someone who just likes to sit around. A self-described entrepreneur and writer, Norback prefers an active lifestyle—and in 2008 he was inspired by then-Senator Obama to use that desire to help others. “When I began to learn about Barack Obama and started seeing him on the news, I realized he was always on his feet and moving around and helping people. I remember seeing an image of him leaning down to talk to a woman, and it struck me—he wasn’t just sitting in meetings all day, he was with the people. You could tell that he was committed to helping others, and that’s what started my commitment to community service.”

After being inspired by Barack Obama in 2008, Peter started a project called One Can A Week. For 210 straight weeks, Norback has asked his neighbors in his Tucson, Arizona neighborhood to donate one can of food to a Tucson-area food bank. Norback goes to his neighbors to collect the cans himself—an act which he believes is responsible for the program’s success. “One Can A Week requires that you go to your neighbors and pick up the food. This creates a community,” Peter says. “I have more than 100 people who donate every Sunday. I’ve helped create an atmosphere of service in my neighborhood. It is great to see.”

Since starting this project in 2008, Norback has collected almost 50,000 pounds of food for Tucson food banks—feeding over 20,000 families in Arizona. After four years, Norback has no plans to slow down—in fact, he’s working to help expand the One Can A Week idea into other states. One Can A Week will also serve as one of the thousands of community service events for the National Day of Service on Saturday. “I’m just keeping at it, and President Obama is keeping at it, and we’re both seeing success in helping others.” Help make a difference in your community this weekend—sign up for the National Day of Service.

Serve

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born 84 years ago today, marking the beginning of an extraordinary life dedicated to giving back. In honor of his legacy, President Obama will join Americans across the country in taking part in the National Day of Service on Saturday, January 19th. Join the Obamas and Bidens in commemorating Dr. King’s devotion to the service of others, and sign up to give back in your community.

Get involved

On the National Day of Service, volunteers all over the country will dedicate a few hours of their time to serving their communities—at food banks, health clinics, park clean-ups, and through thousands of other projects. It's a tradition started by the first family as a way to spend a day giving back, and for Colorado student Kate, it's a chance to lend a hand to an organization that's close to her heart.

Kate is hosting a service project with the Care and Share Food Bank of Southern Colorado, where she's volunteered for years to help hungry families in her community. She and her fellow volunteers will help collect, organize, and distribute food to those who need it. Kate says the National Day of Service is the perfect opportunity not just to give an extra boost to the food bank this month, but to show other volunteers a fun and meaningful way to get involved in giving back year-round.

"I want to make sure that we are helping out those in need in southern Colorado—but my greatest goal is for volunteers to walk away with the feeling that they gave back to their community in an important and proactive way. The Day of Service is an excellent opportunity for people to get out into their communities and volunteer, and I would love it if this was so inspiring to them that they make volunteering a commitment in their lives."

Kate's excited to be a part of the National Day of Service, and to bring her neighbors together to help the hungry. For her, it will be a day spent giving back to the community she loves.

“Community service is so important. I feel that, because of all the opportunities I have been given, the least I can do is give back to a community that has given so much to me. To me, service demonstrates compassion, gratitude, and humility. It's a simple and rewarding way to say, 'thank you.'"

Sign up to give back to your community—get involved in a National Day of Service event near you.

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See why the First Lady is committed to community service—then join her and the rest of the first family in giving back by signing up for the National Day of Service.

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View the slideshow

On January 19th, Americans will come together in communities all over the country to participate in the National Day of Service. More than dedicating one day to giving back, volunteers will work with their neighbors and local organizations to help build a culture of continuing service and community strengthening.

Tell your friends why you’re taking part in the National Day of Service by sharing what you’re serving for: Take a picture of yourself with an #iserve sign (download one or make your own) that says why you’re pledging to serve your community. Then share it on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram using the #iserve hashtag.

Some photos and stories of service will be featured on the official inauguration website. Learn more about the #iserve project and submit your own photo here.

#ISERVE