FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:   Elissa Ruffino (NIAF) 202/939-3106 or elissa@niaf.org

NIAF JOINS NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE

(WASHINGTON, DC — January 16, 2009) The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) will participate in “The Blanket Walk-through,” a collaborative community project with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of San Francisco in Washington, D.C. The event is part of the “Presidential Inaugural Committee’s National Day of Service: Renewing America Together” on Sunday, January 18, 2009.

In New Haven, Conn., The Amity Club, an Italian American organization, will announce the availability of scholarship awards on January 19 to college bound high school seniors who reside in New Haven and neighboring communities.

This initiative by President-elect Barack Obama underscores his belief that all Americans have a responsibility to do what we can for our communities and fellow citizens. “Renewing America Together,” held on January 19, 2009, will be a day of non-partisan community service across the nation through which any individual and organization can become involved and assist their community in a variety of positive ways.

Anyone interested in helping NIAF with “The Blanket-Walk through,” please meet at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 18 at the NIAF headquarters, 1860 19th St. NW, Washington, DC 20009. To donate items or for more information, contact Johnny Strada at the Foundation, 202/939-3121 or jstrada@niaf.org.

To learn more about service events across the country, visit www.usaservice.org .

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a nonprofit, non-partisan, educational foundation that serves as the major advocate for the Italian American community.