The days of summer are gone, and there is a definite chill in the air, so Pam, Seth, David, Vivienne and Jeremy have pulled out their turtlenecks and scarves. However, every Tuesday night the "Dynamic Duo," also known as volunteers Dana Benvenuto and Maria DeFrino, warm the volunteer services office with their fun personalities and steadfast commitment to God's Love We Deliver. While the two come from different backgrounds and lifestyles, they both joined GLWD out of a desire to serve others in need. Their dedication shows by the years they have been here so far: Dana has volunteered for three and a half years and Maria, four. After such a long time, the two only have great things to say about each other: Dana says that Maria is "one of the sweetest people I know, and is so easy-going that it makes it a joy to work with her." And Maria says, "I think we complement each another. Although we have different personalities, we are both Pisces, so we are both very nice people!"

Both Dana and Maria started volunteering in the snack-packing program. Maria says, "It was a great way to start my experience with God's Love because I met so many wonderful people." Once the program ended several months later, both moved into the volunteer office, and have been helping out there ever since.

Dana and Maria love working in the volunteer office because of "the great relationship [we have] with the staff, making it such a fun environment." Also, their amazing computer skills enable them to get the work done with lightning speed. That leaves some time to catch up on the week's happenings with each other and the staff. Dana and Maria are also fixtures at the annual Race to Deliver. The staff can always depend on them to help out at the t-shirt tent, as well as be visible presences in the race itself.

When Maria and Dana are not at GLWD, they're busy at work and play. Dana works at a convertible bond trading desk, and Maria is the VP of a market research firm. Talk about career women! Maria is a born and bred New Yorker but loves to spend time abroad. She thinks it is "wonderful to be anonymous in a place where everything is new!". Dana, meanwhile, enjoys spending summer weekends at the New Jersey shore with friends. But no matter how busy their lives get, Dana and Maria never forget their Tuesday night commitment!

Consistency and dedication are qualities that Dana and Maria believe make a good volunteer. Well, the staff of the volunteer office would be hard-pressed to come up with two people that better exemplify these qualities. Even when Dana is "tired after a long day" or Maria "just wants to go home," their sense of commitment keeps them going. Tuesday nights at God's Love We Deliver simply would not be the same without these two fabulous women, and we appreciate their hard work so much!