172nd District residents eligible for service award

Volunteers of all ages across several Northeast Philly neighborhoods are eligible for the President’s Volunteer Service Award.

The President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, established in 2003, honors Americans “who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service.” The program is now part of the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Pa. Rep. Kevin Boyle, D-172nd, is the first state legislator to sign up as a certified program partner, making all district residents eligible to apply. The district includes parts of Fox Chase, Bustleton, Mayfair, Holmesburg, Holme Circle, Tacony, Winchester Park and Lexington Park. Applicants must provide proof of residency, which they can check by using this tool from the Committee of Seventy, or by calling the Office of Kevin Boyle at 215-331-2600 or 215-695-1016.

The 12-month service hour requirements are as follows:

• Kids (Ages 5 to 14): 50 to 74 hours for bronze level award, 75 to 99 hours for silver level  award, 100 hours or more for the gold level award;
• Young Adults (Ages 15 to 25): 100 to 174 hours for bronze level award, 175 to 249 hours for silver level award, 250 hours or more for gold level award;
• Adults (Ages 26 +): 100 to 249 hours for bronze level award, 250 to 499 hours for silver level award, 500 hours or more for gold level award;
• Families and Groups: 200 to 499 hours for bronze level award, 500 to 999 hours for silver level award, 1000 hours or more for gold level award.

Anyone who volunteers 4,000 hours or more of service during their lifetime is also eligible for the President’s Call to Service Award.