Photo Credit: Holly Hayes
Interview with Holly Hayes a core volunteer with the Surfrider Foundation's Grand Strand Chapter:
What chapter do you work with and what is your leadership role?
"Grand Strand Chapter, current Chair."
What drew you into volunteering at the Surfrider Foundation?
"To be honest, a friend suggested that it would be a good fit for me with the state of the world today and how helpless I was feeling, so I decided to give it a go. I wanted to be a part of something that would produce change, so it seemed to be the right call."
What is your favorite Surfrider program and why?
"Our Beach Cleanup Program is thriving and one of my favorite monthly activities. It's more than just trash pick-up. It's building community and making connections within your community that truly links us all together. We are rolling out the Beach Guardians Program and we are so excited to see the data it will collect for us."
Can you share a story of one of your favorite moments volunteering?
"One of my favorite moments volunteering is the River Island Oyster Roast. We were there to table and recycle oyster shells and we were able to build an amazing volunteer base from this event. This event also led to partnerships with the SCDNR and Horry County and has now reshaped how we recycle oysters here in Horry County."
Why should people volunteer with your chapter?
"Volunteering is community building and I feel everyone should try and build strength in their communities. Community is about giving back and being of service to others which I feel is our true calling. Here on the Grand Strand we encourage people to get involved to start making immediate impacts in their communities. We are better together!"
Sam joined the team in 2026 as the Southeast Regional Manager. She grew up in Laguna Beach, California, where she developed an early passion for protecting the ocean. She holds a Master of Public Policy degree from Duke University, with a concentration in Environment and Energy Policy.