Former Mayor Ron Kirk returns to Dallas

President Barack Obama's trade ambassador interrupted his overseas travels Monday to serve breakfast to homeless people in the city he once governed.

Ron Kirk, the mayor of Dallas from 1995 to 2002, passed out hard-boiled eggs and Cinnamon Toast Crunch in the kitchen of The Bridge, a downtown assistance center for homeless people. He was participating in United We Serve, the president's call for Americans to volunteer in their communities over the summer. Advertisement

"Lots of Americans have been temporarily laid off and maybe have a little more time on their hands," said Kirk, sporting blue vinyl gloves and an apron. "This is a great way to use that time while investing in their careers."

Though a few of the people receiving meals this morning recognized and greeted the former mayor, most of the 100 or so people who packed the dining room didn't know why reporters and news cameras were watching them eat breakfast.

"I have no idea," said Robert Henderson, 49, as a volunteer came by his table to pour him milk. Henderson said he hasn't worked since he began suffering seizures about eight years ago.

United We Serve runs from today to September 11, and aims to build "a new foundation for America, one community at a time," according to the White House Web site. People interested in volunteering in their own communities can find opportunities to do so by visiting Serve.gov on the Web.

"I hope people will see if someone like [Kirk] has time to volunteer, they do too," said Jean Jones, director of volunteer services for Stewpot.