WESTFIELD, NJ -- Rep. Leonard Lance (NJ-07) today welcomed U. S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan to a special event at the Fanwood (NJ) Memorial Library in support of the “Summer of Service” national volunteer program.

“I am pleased to join Secretary Duncan in highlighting the importance of volunteerism in our communities,” said Lance. “Volunteers play a critical role in helping us build strong communities and strong communities provide the foundation for a strong nation. The Summer of Service program encourages volunteers to help children focus on the importance of reading during the summer vacation.”

The Summer of Service initiative is part of a larger effort to promote volunteerism in our communities. In late March, Congressman Lance was one of just 26 Republicans to support the “Edward M. Kennedy Service America Act,” a new law that reauthorizes and expands national service programs administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service. More than 4 million Americans volunteer via the Corporation.

“The Serve America Act strengthens existing community and national service programs and gives Americans of all ages the chance to give back to their communities through volunteerism. I am proud to be a strong supporter of this new law,” concluded Lance.

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