by Jake Hard

Is volunteering an attractive trait in a partner? According to this couple, yes.

Brandon Sherr and Sasha Simmons met through a mutual friend last year and bonded, in part, over a shared love for service.

For 20 years, Brandon has been involved with the American Red Cross, contributing his efforts to both mass care and disaster training. He mentioned his involvement with the organization early on in his relationship with Sasha and invited him to an upcoming training session. After that event in December 2024, Sasha became a Red Cross mass care volunteer, trained in feeding.

This past December, the Red Cross responded to help more than 150 residents impacted by a water main break in the Bronx. Among the 74 responders who helped provide more than 4,000 meals to people living without gas, electricity and/or heat for several days were Brandon and Sasha, with Sasha even leading a team of volunteers.

Brandon has seen the progress Sasha has made, even during such a short time with the organization.

“I feel impressed and proud,” said Brandon. “It’s really exciting to see him find a place for himself here.”

Prior to meeting Brandon and volunteering with the Red Cross, Sasha spent time as a volunteer for Blue Ridge Humane Society, an animal shelter in North Carolina and for the Wild Bird Fund, a wildlife rehabilitation center in Manhattan.

Brandon first volunteered with the Red Cross as a college student in 2005.

“Most Red Cross volunteers have a story where there’s one particular event that brought them into this organization. It was Hurricane Katrina that brought me in,” said Brandon.

Back then, he traveled from Washington D.C. down to help affected communities in both Alabama and Mississippi. While his work currently keeps him busy and local to New York, he does still deploy when he can find the time. Sasha said he is also interested and hopes to deploy in the near future.

The pair feel that their time volunteering as a couple has been meaningful to their relationship.

“We get to spend the time together doing something that is important and satisfying for both of us,” said Brandon.

“Volunteering with him for the Red Cross is very fulfilling,” added Sasha.

Outside of their shared experience with the Red Cross, Sasha and Brandon each keep busy with their own work and projects. Sasha is currently in school studying hospitality management, while Brandon works full-time as a lawyer. In their free time, they like going to Broadway shows together and watching reruns of older TV shows.

The pair offered advice for anyone considering volunteering with their partner for the Red Cross.

“Just do it,” Sasha stated.

“It’s a great way to see another side of your partner,” added Brandon.

“It’s definitely something that makes them hotter,” said Sasha, as Brandon blushed.

If you want to be like Brandon and Sasha and help neighbors in need, put on a red vest and join us. Visit redcross.org/volunteer to find out how you can support your community.