A Decade of Dedication

At Shriners Children's Texas, volunteers play a vital role in creating a welcoming and supportive environment for patients and families. One individual who truly embodies that spirit is Hayden, a dedicated volunteer. For the past decade, Hayden has generously given his time two to three days each week at the hospital in Galveston.

Over the years, Hayden has contributed to many areas across the hospital, from connecting with patients in the ICU to assisting with events. He's become a familiar face to many patients and staff. "I've volunteered in every area - except surgery," Hayden joked. These days, he can often be found at the front desk, welcoming patients, checking them in and chatting with families.

"Being able to see these kids come in and watching their progress is amazing," Hayden said. "You don't interact with them for a couple of weeks, and then suddenly they're standing up or taking steps. A few months later, you see them walking. It's fun to witness that journey."

One moment that stands out for Hayden occurred while he was volunteering in the ICU. He remembers helping a burn patient stretch his scars every day, and that he was a funny kid. "He moved on and left here, and I never really got to follow up with him," Hayden said. "I saw him on a Shriners ad, and he's over at Texas Tech. So, I saw his spotlight and it was fun to see that full-circle moment there."

Hayden has also volunteered at various Shriners Children's events across the country, including the East-West Shrine Bowl, Shriners Children's Showdown and the Shriners Children's Open. "It's nice to see Patient Ambassadors from different hospitals around the nation, not just here in Texas," he said.

When Hayden isn't volunteering, he stays busy working full-time as a restaurant general manager. "They're very gracious and work around my schedule," he said. "Being here is an escape for me. It's not my typical day-to-day job - it's about talking to families, patients and the people I volunteer with."

Some of Hayden's favorite local volunteer activities include the Shriners Children's Texas Mardi Gras parade and trips to local attractions like the Opera House and Moody Gardens in Galveston. "Those field trips are always fun," he said. "Many kids here don't get to experience things like that, so it's cool seeing their reactions."

When asked what he would say to someone considering volunteering, Hayden's response was simple: "I always recommend trying it out. Just try one or two days and see from there. This is definitely a great place to volunteer."

Hayden's dedication to volunteering is clear in everything he does. Whether he's interacting with patients or helping at events, he's always making a positive impact. Hayden was recently nominated for the 2025 Volunteer of the Year award through the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.

Nancy Salinas, the volunteer services coordinator at Shriners Children's Texas, is grateful to have Hayden on the team. "Hayden's willingness to help makes a real difference," she said. "We are so grateful for his time and commitment, and we're lucky to have him at Shriners."