Couple of 50 years shares importance of volunteering together

Gary, right, and Toni, left, volunteer at a shelter in Patterson, La. The couple spent two weeks volunteering at a local shelter to help residents recover after Hurricane Ida.

By Janae’ Daniels, American Red Cross volunteer 

Imagine knowing at 14 that the girl next door would become your wife of more than 50 years. This is true for Gary Wachtl and his wife, Toni. 

Albeit impressive, that is not where their story ends. 

The Wachtls, now retired, are former accountants from Wisconsin who moved to the middle Tennessee area over four years ago to be near their daughter and her family. After retirement, Toni wanted to find ways that she and Gary could give back to their new community. 

Toni, who regularly attended a neighborhood book club, learned about the local Red Cross chapter and their many volunteer opportunities. She quickly signed herself and Gary up and began training as volunteers; mostly virtual due to COVID-19. 

“I said if I am going to volunteer, I don’t want to do it without her,” Gary said. “I want to go to the same area and work the same shift as her. I want to do this with her.” 

Their first call came in February 2020 in Lynchburg during the ice storm. Since it was local, the couple was able to help with food services and help in nearby shelters. 

Their second call came in early September 2021 for a two-week deployment to Patterson, La., after Hurricane Ida hit. This small community of nearly 6,000 people had been hit hard by the hurricane. Already an impoverished area, many lost everything. 

The Wachtls encountered many emotional and physical trials while volunteering in Patterson. Gary describes it as the most challenging experience he has faced. “We were so busy the first few days. We worked 12-hour days, 7 days a week on different shifts [morning and night] for two weeks,” he said. “We were both mentally and physically tired. Many of the volunteers were around our age and it was difficult to do that stuff at our age, but we wanted to help. The community needed our help.”

 AmeriCorps students showed up with lots of energy and willingness to work after the initial five days. Toni admits they were a blessing to the Red Cross team. “The community really stepped up, too,” she said. “They conducted a church service and helped with childcare so mothers could take some time for themselves. The residents were very thankful.” 

The biggest reason the Wachtls say they volunteer together is because of the emotional fulfillment it provides. “We taught our kids about the importance of volunteering and service. It is rewarding to help others and it makes you grow as a person,” Toni said. 

The couple also recognizes serving together offers additional support. “You can be there together and support each other. You understand what each other is going through,” Gary said. 

The Wachtls believe volunteering with the Red Cross is an easy way to interact with your community. 

“The sheltering experience may not be for everybody,” Toni said. “But, there are so many areas of need that any talent you have you can get involved and help out. You don’t just have to do the other things; you could be manning the phones or supporting people virtually, too. It really is a great thing to do.”

The couple plans to continue to volunteer for local and national needs when it arises. They currently drive the food vans to help feed local shelters and work at the local blood centers.

To find out how you can volunteer, go to RedCross.org/Volunteer.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.