Bob Livingston's first exposure to the Red Cross was in 1944 when his mother would host volunteers to fold bandages for troops during World War II.

Now after 41 years in Vero Beach, the 89-year-old powerhouse not only logged the most volunteer hours in Florida's Coast to Heartland Chapter, he is simultaneously serving his community with numerous other organizations.

Bob became involved in his local Red Cross chapter in 1999. He had been a volunteer ambulance driver in Vero Beach, but was replaced when they hired someone for the job. One day he happened to drive by the chapter office and saw a converted ambulance parked outside. When he asked who took care of that vehicle, they told him no one did and would you like to do it? That's how Bob became a driver of a Red Cross emergency response vehicle.

From there, Bob says There is not a job I haven't done. He has served in leadership positions and received the 2008 Agnes S. Warhurst Chapter Volunteer of the Year Award for his dedication.

I do it for the personal satisfaction. I like to work hard and I don't need the accolades. I do it because it makes me realize how fortunate I am to give to others.

The Vero Beach community is better for it. Bob also gives of his time and talent to the Visiting Nurse Association, Safespace (which he helped found 32 years ago), Women's Refuge and the Community Emergency Response Team.

Red Cross volunteers like Bob demonstrate that there are many different ways to give back to your community. During Red Cross Month, we want to thank Bob and all of our amazing volunteers, and to inspire people across the country to be a hero by becoming a volunteer. Become a Red Cross volunteer and find out how you can help.

Written by Estefania Garcia