VOLUNTEER CORNER: Barb & Paul Henke

Barb and Paul Henke, married 38 years, have been volunteering with the Red Cross for a combined 29 years (Barb 16, Paul 13). They both volunteer locally but their main contributions have been through the Disaster Action Team in the region and across the nation.



Why do you give your time to the Red Cross?

Barb – My friend Eileen saw an ad in the paper and we said, ‘We could do that.’ So after checking it out, we decided to take the classes needed to be a Red Cross volunteer.



What is your greatest memory with the Red Cross?

Barb - I went to New York after 9-11 and it was surreal, seeing it all, meeting people, helping out. That really tops my list. The group we worked with at the 9-11 disaster has mini reunions.



Why should others volunteer with the Red Cross?

It is so wonderful and awesome to help people in their darkest moments, to make them feel good even if it’s just a little bit, giving them hope through blankets, food or just help. Helping them through their worst times in their lives.



Why do you volunteer as a pair?

After I began to help out, Paul decided it sounded like fun. He beganby helping locally, and we went to our first national event together this past September for Hurricane Irene. Knowing that we are helping out people both locally and nationally has kept us involved.