Tom Hayden has been volunteering on the inpatient units at Children’s-Minneapolis since 2009. His warm smile, positive energy, and good humor are always great to see on Thursday mornings! Here is a bit about Tom, in his own words:
“I was born and raised on a farm six miles east of LeSueur, the second of eleven children. After high school, I spent two years in the Navy on the East Coast. After the service, I received my first job at an advertising agency, where I met my wife, Kathy. We just celebrated our 51st wedding anniversary, and have two children, Kevin & Mika. I find great enjoyment in our six grandchildren’s sports activities, band & choir concerts, plays, etc. Since Kathy and I were restricted from working at the same firm, I moved to Northwestern National Bank of Minneapolis. After 21 years, I started a new career at Allison-Williams Company, sold tax-free municipal bonds to individuals and institutions for ten years, then moved to Smith-Barney and worked as a broker for 19 years. My goal was to work for 50 years in downtown Minneapolis: I did 49! After my stroke on October 15th, 2007, I decided to retire on May 1, 2008.
After retirement, I decided to apply to volunteer at Children’s Hospital. I always worked toward goals in my career, and am continuing to do so as a volunteer. I have 365 hours as a volunteer here thus far; my current goal is 400 hours by the end of 2012. My next goal will be 500 hours, to be completed in 2013.
I enjoy being a volunteer: the interaction with nursing staff, helping children, and allowing families to have a break. I feel privileged to work with the staff in the volunteer office. It’s a special honor to volunteer.”
Thank you, Tom, for your wonderful volunteer work here at Children’s! WE are honored to have you on our team!