[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 79 (Thursday, April 23, 2020)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 22947-22948]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-08841]




                        Presidential Documents 



Federal Register / Vol. 85 , No. 79 / Thursday, April 23, 2020 / 
Presidential Documents

[[Page 22947]]


                Proclamation 10012 of April 17, 2020

                
National Volunteer Week, 2020

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Civic engagement and volunteer service strengthens the 
                fabric of our Nation and reflects the true heart, 
                spirit, and goodness of America. National Volunteer 
                Week is an opportunity to recognize and honor the 
                countless individuals who selflessly invest in the 
                lives of others. These ordinary citizens make 
                extraordinary contributions to individuals, families, 
                neighborhoods, communities, and our Nation.

                Our national character is measured by the unity, 
                compassion, and initiative shown by Americans who help 
                others. Volunteers serving in community and charitable 
                organizations, faith-based institutions, and nonprofits 
                fulfill critical needs and challenges faced by people 
                of all ages and backgrounds. In soup kitchens, 
                shelters, schools, hospitals, religious organizations, 
                and countless other venues, volunteers foster a spirit 
                of kindness and goodwill in communities large and small 
                throughout the United States. When friends, neighbors, 
                and strangers unite for a common cause, it demonstrates 
                that we have the power to change lives and improve our 
                world.

                We have never needed the volunteerism of America more 
                than we do today. The coronavirus poses an 
                unprecedented risk to the health, wellbeing, and 
                prosperity of our Nation. True to form, in the midst of 
                these turbulent times, Americans are unifying with 
                unprecedented compassion, courage, and strength, 
                bringing help and hope to those who need it most. 
                Countless Americans have found unique and innovative 
                ways to spread joy and meet the emotional, physical, 
                and spiritual needs of others, despite the need to 
                adhere to social distancing measures. Some are using 
                technology to read stories to children and teach 
                virtual classes; others are delivering necessities, 
                such as groceries and medications, to seniors and 
                others who are most at-risk from the virus. Non-profit 
                organizations and companies are also mobilizing to 
                provide equipment, supplies, resources, and necessities 
                to people in need. Licensed healthcare professionals 
                have stepped up as volunteers like never before for 
                their fellow Americans to combat the coronavirus 
                pandemic. If you have the ability to join their ranks, 
                please visit www.FEMA.gov/coronavirus/how-to-help.

                Volunteering to donate blood is especially important 
                right now. Currently, our country's blood and platelet 
                supply is dangerously low, and many blood drives have 
                been cancelled. This extreme shortage poses a severe 
                threat for our Nation's injured and those battling 
                serious illnesses. I urge healthy Americans who are 
                able to help fix this by making an appointment to give 
                blood at a local donation center. Blood donation 
                centers have safety protocols in place to prevent the 
                spread of infections, including the coronavirus. The 
                power of this safe and simple act of service is 
                immeasurable.

                This National Volunteer Week, we pay tribute to men and 
                women of all ages who devote their time, talent, and 
                resources to the greater good. These unsung heroes 
                expand the capacity of countless organizations across 
                our Nation and around the world. During this pivotal 
                time of uncertainty and shared sacrifice, Melania and I 
                are especially grateful to all Americans who 
                demonstrate love, compassion, mercy, and respect for 
                humankind through volunteer service. Their actions 
                enhance their own lives and the

[[Page 22948]]

                lives of those they serve, reflecting the best of 
                America and the enduring principles that bind us 
                together.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim April 19 through 
                April 25, 2020, as National Volunteer Week. I call upon 
                all Americans to observe this week by volunteering in 
                service projects across our country and pledging to 
                make service a part of their daily lives.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                seventeenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand twenty, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and forty-fourth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2020-08841
Filed 4-22-20; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F0-P