    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book II)]
    [November 30, 2002]
    [Pages 2143-2144]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's Radio Address
    November 30, 2002

        Good morning. This week, all across America, we gather with the
    people we love to give thanks for the blessings in our lives. Each
    family has its own traditions, yet we are united as a nation in setting
    aside a day of gratitude. We are grateful for the freedoms we enjoy,
    grateful for the loved ones who give meaning to our lives, and grateful
    for the many gifts of this prosperous land. On Thanksgiving we
    acknowledge that all of these things, and life itself, come not from the
    hand of man but from Almighty God.
        The blessings we have received take on special meaning in this time
    of challenge for our country. 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.
        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. 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.

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        It's easy to get started and to have 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. 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.
        Earlier this year, I 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. I hope you'll
    consider joining the armies of compassion and dedicating time and energy
    and service to others. I'm so proud of the millions of Americans who
    have answered the call to service, enriching the lives of others with
    acts of kindness. It is a testament to the good heart and the giving
    spirit of the American people.
        There's no better time than this season of Thanksgiving to renew our
    commitment to helping those in need. The USA Freedom Corps web site--
    usafreedomcorps.gov--is a wonderful place to get started. This resource
    offers valuable information about service opportunities in your
    hometown, across America, and around the world. You can also get
    information by calling 1-877-USA-CORPS.
        Take the time to find out how you can help your fellow Americans and
    make this holiday season a season of service.
        Happy Thanksgiving, and thank you for listening.

    Note: The address was recorded at 3:15 p.m. on November 26 in the
    Cabinet Room at the White House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on November
    30. The transcript was made available by the Office of the Press
    Secretary on November 29 but was embargoed for release until the
    broadcast. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish
    language transcript of this address.