By: Kate Walters, American Red Cross

For Bob Quinn, volunteering with the American Red Cross began almost by accident. Five years ago, he dropped in on a preparedness class taught by his sister. He intended to leave early but ended up staying the entire time.

“At the end, someone asked, ‘Hey, you're not with the Red Cross?’ and I said, ‘Well, I guess I am now’,” Bob recalled with a grin.

A retired tech support specialist, Bob moved from Joplin, MO to Fayetteville, AR after the passing of his wife, Velma, who he called “the light of my life.”

In 2009, Bob survived viral encephalitis, which impacted his memory but not his drive to serve others.

Now 66, Bob recently deployed with the Red Cross, supporting recovery efforts after the devastating tornadoes that struck Missouri and Arkansas earlier this year.

He helped deliver and distribute supplies to Multi-Agency Resource Centers, and made long drives to reach affected communities.

“They didn’t tell me it was going to be two weeks, or maybe I just didn’t remember,” he chuckled. “But I’d already said yes, so I went.” 

What keeps him coming back?

“It means the world to me to help people going through tough times. Just being there, even in a small way… it matters,” he said.

Bob finds fulfillment in the camaraderie of fellow volunteers, the gratitude of the people served, and the purpose that comes from helping others.

“I may forget a few steps here and there, but I love being a part of it all,” he said.

From a single class to full-scale disaster deployments, Bob’s story is a reminder that showing up can change lives — including your own. 

Want to make a difference like Bob? Join the team of dedicated Red Cross volunteers so you can help those in need. Visit redcross.org/volunteer to get started.