A record-high number of some 60, 000 people have volunteered their services for the inauguration ceremony of U.S. President-elect Barack Obama on Jan. 20, the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) said Thursday.

However, only 15,000 to 18,000 volunteers will be needed, which is three times as many as those who were asked to served in the inauguration of outgoing U.S. President George Bush.

Deadline for submission of applications is Jan. 2.

According to PIC spokesman Kevin Griffis, the committee has trimmed the applicant pool to 27,000 based on the availability and capability of applicants.

PIC director of volunteers Tripp Wellde added that volunteers will pay for their own transportation and accommodation, but will be given food, a commemorative credential and a red winter cap.

But there is no guarantee they will get near Obama.

Another job of the committee is to sell online Obama inauguration memorabilia.

Items on sale include photographs, designer T-shirts and tote bags in a bid to raise at least 50 percent of the expected budget of 40 million to 45 million U.S. dollars for the inaugural event.

(Xinhua News Agency January 2, 2009)