Crossing guard’s warm greetings brighten cold mornings for employees, patients at Lankenau Hospital in Wynnewood, Pa.

WYNNEWOOD, Pa. (WPVI) — On frigid mornings outside Lankenau Hospital, one person is making sure the cold isn’t the first thing employees and patients feel.

Crossing guard Greg Hamell has become a familiar source of warmth, offering enthusiastic greetings that have turned icy walks into uplifting moments.

Hamell manages traffic and guides staff and visitors safely across the street to the hospital entrance. He’s known for his upbeat energy and constant encouragement.

“Every morning. No matter how cold. No matter how tired. He makes our day start out great,” said Krissy Fraelich of cardiovascular imaging.

His greetings often come with humor and reminders of the important work happening inside.

“Take your time, it’s not a foot race. They need you inside,” he told one group of workers.

Julie DeMilta, an office coordinator for radiology oncology, said Hamell “just showed up one day and he just makes everyone smile and laugh.”

For employees coming off long or stressful shifts, his presence can be a welcome boost.

“Sometimes we have stressful nights in there, so to hear someone in there appreciate what we do, without even seeing us doing it, is a good thing,” said John McDonald of Aramark’s environmental services team.

Hamell’s positivity has made him so beloved that staff members often return the kindness.

“I get coffee, donuts. I get tea. The ladies put together a card one day,” he said.

Claiborne Childs, Vice President of Medical Affairs, said Hamell’s impact is felt across the campus.

“Sometimes people are coming to the hospital, they’re coming into work, and there’s often a lot on their minds. Things can be heavy. And someone saying hello and good morning can make a big change in how they start their day,” he said.

Hamell, who works as a Lean flagger, said he simply hopes to brighten someone’s morning.

“If you can put a smile on someone’s face, you don’t know what they’re enduring. What they went through getting here,” he said. “The real heroes are the ones who go inside every day and perform the miracles at Lankenau.”

He said he has been greeting workers since the beginning of the year and considers being a “ray of positivity” the best part of his day.