A True Partnership in Service: Dave and Annette Tolander’s Red Cross Story

Volunteers are the heartbeat of the American Red Cross. With 90 percent of the organization's workforce made up of volunteers, people like Dave and Annette Tolander play a critical role in helping communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters. Every year, the Red Cross responds to approximately 65,000 disasters across the country — from home fires to large‑scale events like hurricanes, floods and wildfires. As extreme weather intensifies, the frequency and severity of these disasters are increasing, making compassionate volunteers needed now more than ever.

For Dave Tolander, giving back was always part of the plan. He joined the Red Cross as a volunteer in 2005.

“I went to the Red Cross because where I worked stressed volunteerism and doing something for the community,” he said. “I knew when I retired I’d have something meaningful to do that pertained to volunteering, and the Red Cross was top of the list.”

Annette Tolander’s path to the Red Cross began with a gentle nudge from her husband.

“I went because Dave encouraged me,” she said. “He said it would be fun if we could do things together.”

Six months before she retired, she began her training. Today, she serves as a disaster action team (DAT) supervisor and supports multiple disaster response activities, including sheltering, feeding and driving.

Dave and Annette Tolander on a Red Cross deployment

In 2017, the couple deployed together to the Florida Keys after Hurricane Irma. They served as Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) drivers, delivering meals and supplies in challenging conditions.

“It was good. It was rewarding,” Annette Tolander recalled.

Despite the meaningful work, they admit that deploying together isn’t always feasible outside their area. However, they respond to local disaster calls together “all the time,” as Annette Tolander puts it. “If one of us forgets something, the other one remembers. It’s good.”

After 46 years of marriage, teamwork comes naturally.

“One of the things we do most days is have a couple games of cribbage and a cocktail before dinner,” she shared. “It’s our time without television and busy stuff. That’s a nice time together.”

The Tolanders also participate together in Sound the Alarm, the Red Cross campaign to install free smoke alarms that help to make homes safer.

For couples looking to connect more deeply — and make a real difference — the Tolanders have one clear recommendation: volunteer together.

If you are looking to volunteer with a partner, a friend or on your own, you can find available opportunities at redcross.org/volunteer.