Economy Inspires More to Do Community Service in U.S.

The legislation would increase opportunities for community service in a variety of ways from offering tax incentives for employers who allow workers to take time off for service to setting up funds to help non-profit groups recruit more volunteers.

"As our nation confronts the most severe economic downturn since the Great Depression, an enhanced commitment to local and community service is needed now more than ever," White House budget director Peter Orszag wrote to Kennedy on March 6, encouraging the committee he heads to approve the legislation.

"As private citizens begin to do more in their communities," Hatch says, "in the long run, it will mean that the government will have to do less to provide for those in need."