One of the most cherished aspects of childhood is building friendships. Beyond just having fun, these bonds provide kids with a sense of belonging, boost their self-esteem, and help them develop essential social skills. Therefore, it’s heart-wrenching when children face isolation and bullying from their peers.
In Amarillo, Texas, a young boy named Shayden was so desperate for friends that he began knocking on doors in his neighborhood. During one of these visits, he approached the home of Brennan and Angel Ray, and their doorbell camera captured the moment.
Shayden explained through the camera, “I just wanted to see if you knew any kids around, like, 11 or 12 because I need some friends. Bad.” When Brennan mentioned that they didn’t have any children his age, Shayden revealed, “Well, um, they’re not my friends anymore because they’re bullies to me.” Despite the Rays having only a 2-year-old daughter, Shayden responded warmly, saying, “They're just like the most cutest things I have ever known.”
The video of Shayden’s search for companionship touched many hearts, with viewers expressing their sympathy and support online. Comments poured in from people who shared their own experiences of bullying and wished for Shayden to find happiness and true friends.
The video quickly went viral on TikTok, amassing over 67 million views. The Rays decided to leverage this newfound attention by setting up a GoFundMe campaign to support Shayden and his family. They aimed to raise funds for a gaming system, school clothes, amusement park tickets, and any other needs Shayden might have. The Rays assured that all donations would go directly to Shayden and his family, and hoped to raise awareness about bullying and suicide prevention.
In a follow-up video, the Rays visited Shayden’s home and had the chance to meet him in person. They discovered his rock collection and enjoyed watching some of his favorite online videos.
“We finally got to meet Shayden!” the Rays shared on TikTok. “He was just as joyful in person as he was on the doorbell camera.”
While it’s disheartening that Shayden had to seek friends in such a manner, the overwhelming response from the public has been heartwarming. It demonstrates the kindness and support of many, showing Shayden that he is valued and that there are many caring people eager to make him feel welcome and loved.