White House releases Thanksgiving public service ad

By Christy Brennan, CNN White House producer

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The White House on Tuesday unveiled a public service announcement set to run during the holiday season in which the president and first lady encourage Americans to donate their time and money.

The ad was taped Thursday inside the barn at Bush's Crawford ranch following Russian President Putin's departure. It features a smiling president and first lady standing in front of a background of green trees, which can be seen through the open door of the barn. It was made despite the heavy rain in Crawford that day.

Referring to Americans' response to the Sept. 11 attacks, President Bush says in the ad, "Some believe it's astonishing. I believe it's the American character."

The ad closes with a full screen of the slogan "Thanksforgiving" and posts the Web address www.nationalservice.org. On that Web site people can enter their zip code and find opportunities to volunteer in their area or local charities to which they can donate.

"Both President and Mrs. Bush feel strongly that out of the evil of Sept. 11 has come a great deal of good," said Karen Hughes, counselor to the president. "As President Bush said, we're a nation awakened to terror but also a nation awakened to service, citizenship and compassion."

The president Tuesday morning appeared at a Washington food bank, So Others Might Eat, echoing the same message as the ad.

When asked about the fact that following the terrorist attacks donations to local charities declined, Hughes said the Bush administration is "concerned," but she hopes the ad will encourage those who gave to funds for Sept. 11 relief to extend their goodwill to local organizations.

The ad, which began running Tuesday, will air throughout the holiday season.

President Bush also appears in an ad promoting tourism for Washington, D.C. Hughes said the travel industry approached the White House about the ad, which features excerpts from a Sept. 27 speech that Bush made to airline workers at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport.