It's Valentine's Day and we're inspired by this Red Cross couple! Bob and Gloria Krayenvenger met more than three decades ago on a business trip in Lakeland, Florida, while both were living in Maine. After getting married in 1991, it wasn’t until after retirement in 2018 when they were seeking the next challenge -- helping others through volunteering. After searching online for some time, they found that the American Red Cross was “front and center” of every organization that they considered. They began their volunteer work with the Red Cross of Northern New England that same year.

“We were so impressed by what volunteers did and the mission as a whole,” said Gloria. “You hear about all these tragedies such as hurricanes where the Red Cross helps. The mission is what brought us here and has kept us here.”

In fall of 2021, the couple became seasonal residents of Florida, and reached out immediately to offer their time during the winter.

Today, despite the COVID-19 environment and its limitations, Bob and Gloria have become familiar faces around Red Cross offices – especially in Daytona and Orlando. The pair provides administrative support for business operations and logistics, and Bob also helps to coordinate the maintenance of Red Cross fleet vehicles.

“We just find it so rewarding to do all that we do,” added Bob. “It makes all the difference in the world.”

Thank you Bob and Gloria for your commitment and compassion – to the organization and to each other. We’re wishing these sweethearts with huge hearts for helping others, a very Happy Valentine’s Day!

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