Sparky’s Pals, Inc. is pleased to announce it has awarded eight of its volunteers with the President's Volunteer Service Award, a national honor offered in recognition of volunteer service. The awards were given for their service in 2007.

Established in 2003, the Award is available on an annual basis to individuals, groups and families who have met or exceeded requirements for volunteer service and have demonstrated exemplary citizenship through volunteering.As one of thousands of Certifying Organizations participating in the Award program, Sparky’s Pals confers the award to recognize the outstanding achievements of its volunteers.

• Gold Award

• Virginia Gilhooly

• Silver Award

• Patricia Gulino

• Joanne Scaggs

• Bronze Award

• Susan Bell
• Donna Droby
• Rani Gaw
• Amy Lavine
• Dr. Tiffany Tobaben

Sparky’s Pals was founded in 2006 and provides humane education to pre-schools, schools and Girl Scouts around the Dallas Metroplex. Sparky's Pals also co-sponsors Bird Chauffers (www.birdchauffers.org) in conjunction with East Lake Pet Orphanage.

“In his 2002 State of the Union Address, President George W. Bush created the USA Freedom Corps, and called on every American to make a lifelong commitment to volunteer service.The President's Volunteer Service Award recognizes individuals and families who have answered that call,” said Kevin Gilhooly, President of Sparky’s Pals.

“America’s volunteers work to make our communities stronger and safer. As a Certifying Organization for the Award program, Sparky’s Pals is proud to be aligned with this prestigious volunteer award, and we are especially proud of our volunteers who have made volunteer service a central part of their lives.”

The President's Volunteer Service Award is an award for volunteer service that every American – from every age and every walk of life – can aspire to achieve.To be eligible to receive the Award, individuals, families and groups submit a record of their annual volunteer service hours to participating Certifying Organizations, such as Sparky’s Pals, that will verify the service and deliver the Award. Award eligibility for individuals and groups is based on hour requirements varying by age.

“These recipients of the President's Volunteer Service Award are role models for all Americans,” Mr. Gilhooly said.“Each volunteer hour contributed makes a difference in improving the quality of life for others, and I encourage everyone to contribute to our community by volunteering.Volunteers bring us closer together as families, as communities and as a Nation, through their commitment.”

The Award is issued by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, a group created by President Bush to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers are making to our Nation.Chaired by two-time Super Bowl Champion Darrell Green, with former U.S. Senators Bob Dole and John Glenn as honorary co-chairs, the Council comprises leaders in government, media, entertainment, business, education, nonprofits and volunteer service organizations, and community volunteering.

For more information about volunteering with Sparky’s Pals, please visit their website at www.sparkypals.org or call 214-823-7257. If you'd like to help a fallen bird, visit www.birdchauffers.org.

For more information about how to qualify for the President's Volunteer Service Award and to find volunteer opportunities in your area, visit www.PresidentialServiceAwards.gov or call 866-545-5307.