Robert and Rosana are just one of many married couples who volunteer together for the Red Cross. When the call came to deploy to Southern California fires, the two did not hesitate. They packed their suitcases and drove the four hours to Los Angeles County. Now they are distributing food and other supplies to people impacted by the disaster.
Rosana Moscarro-Bontrager and her husband Robert Bontrager were watching the news in their Tulare County, California home a few weeks ago when they saw footage of the devastating Southern California fires.
“We both looked at each other and said, ‘There’s going to be a call for people to come volunteer. Are we able and are we ready?’” said Rosana.
Robert and Rosana volunteer together for the Red Cross, responding to disasters close to home and across the country. When the call came to help people affected by the fires, the two did not hesitate. They packed their suitcases, picked up a Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle, and drove the four hours to Los Angeles County.
Before they retired, Rosana worked as an administrative assistant and Robert was in logistics and shipping. Both knew they wanted to do volunteer work during their retirement. Rosana says she was tired of staring at a computer screen.
“I like to keep busy and mobile, so I’m your ‘cleanup on aisle five’ girl,” Rosana said with a laugh.
They chose the Red Cross and trained to serve in many roles, including shelter work and distribution of food and supplies during a disaster.
The couple teams up to bring hot food and emergency supplies into disaster-struck regions. In October, they spent three weeks on the ground in North Carolina, serving communities impacted by Hurricane Milton.
“I received so many hugs and thank-yous," said Rosana. “It warms your heart to be able to provide that support to someone who really needs it and is so appreciative.”
But what is it like to work side-by-side with your significant other for two to three weeks?
“We push each other out of our comfort zones,” says Robert.
Rosana agrees, “Believe it or not, we are both on the shy side. We each nudge the other, ‘Go ask the question,’ or, ‘You start this first.’”
“I’ve heard from other people who say, ‘Gosh, I couldn’t do this with my spouse because I can’t work with them all day long and then have my downtime also be with them,’” said Rosana. “We don’t have that issue. I think it brings us closer together.”
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