Clark Corps members across the country are answering General Wesley Clark's call to public service this Saturday. As part of the National Day of Service, people are serving their communities by cleaning up beaches and parks, donating blood, and collecting canned goods for the needy.

"The day of service is about giving back to your community," said Susan Altrui, national volunteer coordinator. "The volunteers share Clark's vision for New American Patriotism that American citizenship comes with responsibility, not just rights."

The Day of Service coincides with the announcement Tuesday from Clark calling Americans to register to help in times of crisis. This proposed Civilian Reserve would create a safety net of people with specialized skills who could assist at home and abroad should the need arise.

"We are so excited about how eager people are to donate their time and talents to improve their communities," Altrui said.

A group of volunteers has been collecting items all week for the Center for Women and Families in Louisville. A volunteer will deliver clothes, toiletries and other household goods to the shelter Saturday.

"There's plenty of work to do," said Selena Frye, a Clark Corps volunteer in Louisville, Kentucky. "It's great to see someone who's modeled the spirit of public service, like Gen. Clark. But you don't have to join the military to help serve. There are other things that need to be done."

In the San Diego area, Corps members are cleaning up two beaches, Ocean Beach ("Dog Beach") and Moonlight Beach in Encinitas.

"San Diego is a community that's tied emotionally to the beaches," said Dominique Cano, a Clark Corps member. "So we need to take the time to make the beaches a good place to be. What's lacking in America is a sense of community," Cano continued. "Clark's work and actions show us if people come together, then we can resolve problems."

Both Cano and Frye said they want to model the spirit of Clark's public service.

"I think everyone wants to help," Frye said. "Sometimes people need direction and someone to get the ball rolling."