Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/74289
work to inspire Someone You Should Know: Carol and Chris Zindorf More than a decade of volunteering side by side By Elishah Oesch For some, community service is more than just a way to give back. It's a passion that becomes woven into the fabric of life. For Carol Zindorf, a long-time volunteer with several organizations, the story is no different. Through her years of service, the majority of which has been spent at the American Red Cross-Badger Chapter, volunteering has become a part of her identity. But that's not something she sees as unique or even special. "It's been part of my life from the time I was younger," she says. Since starting at the Red Cross in 1983, Carol has helped peo- ple through disasters, hardship, and extremely difficult and scary situations—all experiences that have now positioned her to receive one of the organization's highest honors: the "Hero of a Lifetime" award. However, she never expected that simply answering the phone one day at the Red Cross would lead to the love of her life. While serving as the chair of Monroe County Red Cross, Carol took a phone call from a hopeful volunteer, Chris Zindorf. The memory of that day is forever etched into Chris' mind. "I heard the Red Cross needed volunteers, so I called the number. I didn't know it at the time but that's how I met my wife," Chris recalls. Over the course of time, the two worked together on several pro- grams and their relationship blossomed. "We worked together very well and it just grew from there," Carol says. "We were always in tuned to the same things." The couple married September 23, 2000. Since that time, the two have been sharing their love for serving their community every day. Throughout their marriage, they've worked side by side through it comes to community service, they say two heads and hearts are better than one. "We're able to help a lot of people and we can play off of each other on different ideas and techniques," Carol says. It's that partnership that ultimately led to what is perhaps their greatest calling yet: accepting the Red Cross version of a lifetime achievement award. The honor is given to individuals who've spent their whole life disaster situations, helped with the Volunteer Income Tax Assis- tance program, and are involved in the Lend A Hand program, which provides help to the homeless. And they plan to continue volunteering together because when with her true love by her side. ••• Elishah Oesch is a co-anchor at WKOW 27s Wake up giving back. Like any true hero, it's an award Carol doesn't feel she's earned, but she is grateful. "If nothing else, it means that we've been appreciated," she says. More importantly to Carol is all the years of service she has ahead Wisconsin. Find more about the Zindorfs at wkow.com. Nonprofit Profile: American Red Cross-Badger Chapter What it is: Since being found- ed in 1881, the Red Cross has become the key organization in the country for emergency aid and disaster relief. 34 How to get involved: Volun- teers help with special events, disaster services, services to the military, health and safety work and more. How to donate: In addition to monetary and blood dona- tions, the American Red Cross accepts donations of specific supplies. Classes you can take: Don't miss classes aimed at prepar- ing you for everyday disasters including first aid, CPR, safe infant care and more. For more information: Call (800) Red-Cross or visit arcbadger.org. BRAVA Magazine July 2012