Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell's inaugural theme will be "a commonwealth of opportunity."
In the eight days leading to his Jan. 16 inauguration, McDonnell will volunteer at Food Banks in Abingdon, Richmond and Norfolk and at a homeless shelter in Alexandria.
He will meet with military families in Hampton Roads, speak with members of a Boys and Girls Club in Virginia Beach and visiting with inmates at a Richmond-area jail.
McDonnell today named the Federation of Virginia Food Banks and The Salvation Army as official partners in his inauguration week.
"These are difficult times in the commonwealth," McDonnell said in a statement. "Virginians face high unemployment, fiscal pressures and uncertainty about their economic prospects. In these difficult times I believe it is more important than ever to highlight the daily acts of kindness and charity that Virginians are freely performing in every city and county."
McDonnell said that he strongly supports the $1 million that outgoing Gov. Timothy M. Kaine has put in the budget for Food Banks.
" The Salvation Army works in every city and county in the Commonwealth to comfort, clothe and care for the less fortunate. It is an honor to join with them as part of Inaugural Week as well," he said.
In Virginia Beach, NFL Hall of Famer Bruce Smith, a former Virginia Tech star, will join McDonnell in speaking to children "about making good choices today to ensure the best possible tomorrows."
In addressing his theme, McDonnell said opportunity is the key to Virginia's prosperity and it will be the basis for every action his administration takes.
"We will create new jobs and more opportunities in every region of the state," he said.
"We will create 'A commonwealth of opportunity' for all Virginians."
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