Volunteer Appreciation Month: Tiffany Dollinger

Tiffany Dollinger’s words to live by for disaster operations: “No expectations. The only thing you need to take into it is yourself and patience.” Volunteering for the Western Kentucky Red Cross chapter for a year and a half, Tiffany wasted no time jumping in. She has been a Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteer, shelter manager, and is working towards being qualified for driving an Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV). Tiffany has been deployed on 4 operations within the past 13 months.

Tiffany, left, and her husband

Due to her health, Tiffany is unable to work, so the Red Cross means the world to her. “It’s everything. The Red Cross is all I do. Everybody has got to have something to do,” explained Tiffany. Tiffany was in the army for 10 years and her husband did 20 years. She has been to 17 countries and drove to 45 states. After her first deployment, Tiffany’s husband was inspired. He decided to become a DAT responder with her. The couple just celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary.

Tiffany loves to volunteer because of the sense of purpose it provides her with. “I hate when I watch a tragedy on the news. I want to help, but I feel powerless…On deployment, you see the best of humanity and the worst of times. Everyone is there because they want to be there. They all have the same drive and compassion,” said Tiffany. Tiffany explained she has Red Cross friends who gave up their Christmas to assist with the Kentucky tornadoes this past December. She was amazed by their generosity, saying, “You wouldn’t find that anywhere else.”

Tiffany has 2 sons and recently became an empty nester. Her 3 Dotson dogs provide her with plenty of love and entertainment while she’s at home. Tiffany and her husband are Nashville Predators season ticket holders, and they enjoy attending games together. “My husband is my biggest supporter. While I’m gone on a disaster operation for 2 weeks, I don’t have to worry about anything at home,” explained Tiffany.

We are so thankful for you, Tiffany! We appreciate your drive and passion to help others. You can become a disaster volunteer today! Check out our open volunteer positions at RedCross.org.