The President's Volunteer Service Award

Every day, millions of American volunteers use their time, talents and compassion to make a difference in the lives of others. By mentoring a child, caring for an elderly neighbor, teaching someone to read, or bringing food and clothes to those who need them, Americans foster a culture of service, citizenship and responsibility. Through these acts of kindness and decency, we demonstrate the true character and compassion of our country.

Recognizing and honoring volunteers sets a standard for service to others. It encourages a sustained commitment to civic participation and inspires others to make volunteering a central part of their lives. The President's Volunteer Service Award is a recognition program for Americans of all ages who contribute a significant amount of time to volunteer service. The program recognizes individuals, families and groups that have achieved a certain standard, measured by the number of hours served over a 12-month period.

Recipients receive:

• An official President's Volunteer Service Award pin
• A personalized certificate of achievement

To get started:

• Check out www.presidentialserviceawards.gov. If you need the information sent to you, contact Program Specialist Rea de la Cruz at (619) 610-0739.
• Determine which award level you have earned (gold, silver or bronze) based on your age (kids, young adults, adults or family/groups).
• As a certifying organization, Girl Scouts, San Diego-Imperial Council will nominate the volunteer and verify that they have completed the required number of service hours. E-mail rdelacruz@sdgirlscouts.org, and include details about the number of hours you have earned. If sending an email on behalf of girls, include their ages.

Community service activities

Did your troop participate in a community service project this year? If so, please e-mail the following information to Rea de la Cruz, program specialist, at rdelacruz@sdgirlscouts.org:

• Troop #
• Grade level
• Number of girls
• Number of service hours per girl
• Provide a brief description of service and explain how the girls benefited.
• Would you recommend this service activity to other troops?

Donate to Girl Scouts through Dove

Donate to Girl Scouts through Dove
Dove is running a special promotion through December 31. Anyone who buys Dove products can have $1 from their purchase donated to one of Dove's three partner organizations: Girl Scouts of the USA, Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Girls Inc. All donations directed to GSUSA will go toward funding additional uniquely ME! programs at the council level. Please help by making a donation, then spreading the word to your family, friends and e-mail buddies.

Here's how to donate:

1. Go to www.dove.com
2. Click on "Enter Dove UPC here" at the center of the first slide ("Your Dove purchase helps build self-esteem")
3. Select Girl Scouts as the charity to receive the donation
4. Enter a Dove product's UPC code or select a product you have purchased
5. Enter your information to verify the donation
6. Click "Submit"
7. Don't forget--tell your friends!