Each year, employees from across The Woodlands campus and surrounding clinics step into the community to support beloved traditions like the Market Street Tree Lighting, The Woodlands Township Lighting of the Doves Festival, and the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion’s Children’s Festival and Holly Jolly Jingle. What happens at these events goes far beyond handing out giveaways or staffing an activity table. For many employees, volunteering alongside their colleagues has become one of the most meaningful parts of the holiday season.
Community Liaison Jenny Bailey has seen that impact up close. She has coordinated outreach events north of the beltway since The Woodlands Campus opened and says the joy families express is unforgettable. “Families will come up, they’ll hug them. It’s just beautiful,” she said. “I can’t tell you the number of people who come up to the tent and say Texas Children’s saved my child’s life five, 10 or even 40 years ago.”
Jenny said those moments stay with volunteers and remind them how meaningful their work is. “I think for our employees, they just love seeing their patients outside of the clinical setting,” she said. “And the patients love seeing their nurses or MAs outside the clinical setting too. It’s very humbling.”
Why Employees Give Their Time
For many volunteers, the motivation to serve is rooted in a sense of community and pride in representing Texas Children’s. Ambulatory Services Representative Techelle Smith described it clearly: “What motivates me to give my time outside of work is knowing that our community feels supported beyond the four walls of the hospital. Nothing brings me more joy than seeing the smiles on our little ones’ faces. It is the biggest reward.”
Physical Therapist Sneha Guwalani, who often drives from Clear Lake to volunteer in The Woodlands, says the experience is grounding and uplifting. “I am proud to represent Texas Children’s at these events and love the sense of community,” she shared. “Many families will approach us at these events and tell us stories and positive experiences they have had with providers at Texas Children’s. They are thankful and it is great to hear that the work we are doing is truly valuable.”
These events also bring colleagues together in a way that feels different from the pace of the workday. “Volunteering with my coworkers brings us closer,” Techelle said. “Doing it as a team makes the experience more meaningful.”
Surgery Coordinator Rosie Catalan, who has been volunteering since 2016, echoed this sense of connection. “Volunteering brings me so much joy,” she said. “Being able to make a positive difference, even in small ways, truly fills my heart.” She added that volunteers often turn the day into a tradition: “We meet for lunch before the event, then head to our event. We laugh and have fun with it while bringing joy to families.”
Finding Purpose Through Service
Some employees say volunteering has changed not only how they engage with their colleagues, but how they see their role in the world. Clinical Nurse Coordinator Jeanette McMullen said she didn’t initially volunteer outside of work.
“All of that changed when I volunteered alongside Jenny Bailey,” she wrote. “She showed me how much fun my teammates and I could have serving alongside one another and interacting with our community.”
Jeanette said the impact has stayed with her. “The joy you experience volunteering and seeing your direct impact just warms your heart like no other,” she shared. “I have found my passion is to serve others at work and in the community.” She added a reflection that resonates strongly during this season: “HEART in Action is more than what you do at work; it is what is within you.”
A Tradition That Strengthens Us All
While this holiday’s volunteer spots in The Woodlands are filled, opportunities continue throughout the year. For employees, these events offer something simple but powerful: a chance to step outside the hospital, connect with families in joyful moments and experience the bond that forms when colleagues give their time together.
Are you putting your HEART into action and serving your community during this holiday season? If so, tell us about it! As one volunteer guaranteed, “Volunteering will be the best few hours of your week.”
