"VOLUNTEERISM and CITIZEN SERVICE must lead Louisiana's recovery effort." -Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu The Louisiana Serve Commission is pleased to announce Volunteer Louisiana, a website and call center that matches volunteers with service opportunities throughout the state. Visit www.volunteerlouisiana.gov or call 866-286-3835 or 225-342-3070 to find out how you can begin a summer of service.

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January 4, 2008

CONTACT:
Maria Mercedes Tio
225 342 8153
mtio@crt.state.la.us

(New Orleans, LA) -- On Sunday, January 6, 2008, Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu and the Louisiana Serve Commission will join several hundred LSU and Ohio State leaders, players, fans, students and alumni in a day of community service at the NFL-YET Boys and Girls Club at 1140 South Broad St. in New Orleans. On the eve of the BCS Championship game at the Superdome, fans of both teams will help to rebuild two baseball diamonds, construct bleachers, paint railings and the exterior of the pool building, replant and mulch garden beds, and package blankets for the homeless. Louisiana State University Chancellor Sean O'Keefe and Ohio State University President Gordon Gee will be on hand for the event, as will Ohio Lt. Governor Lee Fisher and former Heismann trophy winners Eddie George and Archie Griffen.

"The Boys and Girls Clubs in this country provide a safe haven for many young people to learn and grow," said Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu, one of the supporters of the event. "Thanks to the hard work of LSU and Ohio State fans, our children will literally have a level playing field where they can enjoy team sports in a protected environment," he said.

Landrieu continued: "I launched 2007 as The Year of Service in Louisiana. We watched as hundreds of thousands of Louisiana citizens and out-of state volunteers worked in Louisiana neighborhoods to build playgrounds, gut and rebuild homes, refurbish public spaces. In 2007, many major conventions held in New Orleans participated in public service projects. The national trend of "voluntourism," where tourists build time into their vacations to give back to the community, has helped to revitalize communities across southwest Louisiana. In 2008, we will continue to encourage citizen service, and will welcome with open arms all of our visitors who want to help Louisiana in the rebuilding process," he said.

WHO:
Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu, Ohio Lt. Governor Lee Fisher, LSU Chancellor Sean O'Keefe, Ohio State University President Gordon Gee, former Heismann trophy winners Eddie George and Archie Griffen and hundreds of LSU and OSU leaders, players, fans, students and alumni

WHAT:
Champions on the Field and in the Community: BSC Contenders LSU and Ohio State rebuild baseball fields, construct bleachers, replant and mulch garden beds and paint pool building

WHERE:
NFL-YET Boys and Girls Club, 1140 South Broad Street, New Orleans

WHEN:
Sunday, January 6, 2008
9:00 a.m. - Noon

For more information, please contact Billy Gomila of LSU Public Affairs at 225-578-3867, or Tracey Stuck of Ohio State University at 614-657-8761.