Three years ago when her family members were murdered, Konitzer struggled for ways to cope. She turned to what she knew would ease the pain: helping others. Choking back tears, Konitzer recalls her feelings as she handed out backpacks, pencils and notebooks to local children. “I needed it,” she says, “We always see the negativity on TV. There’s a lot of good too. Being a part of it helps.”

As a full-time working mother and wife, Tina Konitzer has every reason to stay home on weekends, enjoying her well-deserved time off. Instead, for more than twenty years she has chosen to volunteer. “It feels natural,” she says when listing the community organizations she has been involved in. Like many American Red Cross volunteers, Konitzer understands the rewards of volunteering. “I really enjoy helping people and the community. It comes from the heart.”

When Konitzer received the devastating news that she would be laid off from her job of 27 years, her unwavering courage and strength compelled her to reach out to people of all ages as a Red Cross Ambassador.

“There are lots of things to do if you’ve been laid off,” she says with confidence. During her time of “exploration,” Konitzer is reaching into the community as an Ambassador and teaching the importance of being Red Cross Ready. Giving presentations to local schools and community organizations, Konitzer helps families and children prevent and prepare for emergencies by teaching three Be Red Cross Ready steps: Get a Kit, Make a Plan and Be Informed. She says the great conversations with people during her presentations and teaching people skills that could save lives makes her work worthwhile.

Though uncertain about the future, one constant throughout her life is that Tina Konitzer will continue doing what feels natural—helping others while helping herself.

The American Red Cross in Southeastern Wisconsin relies on donations of time and money so they can provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies in Dodge, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth and Waukesha counties. To donate your time, please visit our Volunteer page. Financial donations can be made online through our secure contribution site.