Every week, dedicated men and women walk through the doors of Natividad Medical Center — not as patients or staff, but as volunteers. During National Volunteer Week, Natividad is proud to honor the compassionate individuals who give their time, energy and warm smiles to support patients, visitors and care teams throughout the hospital.

“To every volunteer who has held a door open, offered a reassuring smile or sat with a patient who needed company, Natividad thanks you,” said Natividad CEO Dr. Chad Harris. “Your presence makes this hospital not just a place of medical care, but a place of human connection.”

Natividad volunteers manage a range of tasks. From welcoming guests at the front desk and helping families in waiting rooms, to staffing the gift shop, delivering meals and engaging hospitalized patients with visits and activities — volunteers are woven into the fabric of every corner of the hospital. They come from all walks of life: young adults exploring careers in medicine, college and high school students gaining real-world experience in a teaching hospital environment, and retired seniors who want to remain active and give back to their community.

Volunteering at Natividad is more than a commitment of time, it’s also an opportunity to grow. Volunteers develop transferable skills in leadership, communication and problem-solving. Research has shown that volunteering is associated with greater well-being, deepening social connection, building purpose and creating the simple but powerful feeling that comes from helping others.

Natividad Volunteer Auxiliary is currently welcoming new volunteers to its team. Applicants must be at least 16 years old. To learn more or apply, email volunteerauxiliary@natividad.com or call (831) 755-4215. An online application is also available at natividad.com.

“This Volunteer Week, we celebrate the service of our team of volunteers and the Natividad Volunteer Auxiliary’s service to Natividad. Natividad and the community we serve would be honored to have you.”

– Natividad CEO Dr. Chad Harris