Posted on April 13, 2008 by Kathy McManus in All, Altruism Comments (6)
Going Postal
Eric Wills has gone postal in a provocative new way.
Wills is a mailman in St. Petersburg, Florida, with 480 people on his route. The mail he delivers to them—from high-end catalogues to bundles of bills—speaks volumes.
So, as it turns out, does the condition of their yards.
After weeks of silently cursing an overgrown thicket blocking his path to a front door mail slot, 30 year-old Wills was struck with an insight that would change the lives of many of his customers, and ultimately his own.
Un-mowed lawns, he realized, were a cry for help.
He knocked on the offender’s door. An old man answered and said that the lawn was the least of his worries. So Wills cut the man’s grass. For free. Two weeks later, using his own mower, he did it again. And again.
Soon Wills was taking on other unkempt yards along his route, mowing for free on his days off and buying extra gas for his sputtering old mower. After two years, he was mowing 15 yards, all for free.
He had been searching for a way to give back, he said, and mowing the lawns of his needy customers was “just my little way of making a difference.”
His good deeds were discovered by a local newspaper reporter, who wrote a story about the mowing mailman, including his phone number in case anyone else needed help.
Strangers started calling, but not about their lawns. They wanted to give back. To Eric Wills.
Ninety people sent money for gas—$3,500. Three people donated riding mowers that cut grass, and time. A landscaper volunteered to help with planting. Another well-wisher had a custom trailer built for hauling the new mowing gear.
But the best gift of all, Wills said, was inspiring others. One man wrote that he’d been pondering for years whether he should look after his elderly neighbors. “Reading your story,” he said, “might push me over the edge from thinking to doing.”
Eric Wills was mowed over.
Comments (6)
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Good Deeds...
Stories like this should be reported more often. This renews faith in mankind. There are people out there who care enough to give selflessly and aren’t looking for recognition. Their deeds will certainly be rewarded and I urge all who read this to take their own actions to seek good deeds for those in need.
Start where you are, do what you can
Over the years I keep saying those words. They’re not mine. they belong to some script writer for the TV show “In the heat of the night.” They were spoken by the Chief of detectives wife in answer to the white sheriff’s question on how to help poor blacks in the south. They have been an excellent comfort when I see so much wrong and want to run right out and do something. I would repeat Natalie’s statement. This is what should be on the nightly news and not as a condescending way. We need people receiving ‘Friend of Humanity’ Medals.
Great Story
“Going Postal” is a story worth reporting and sharing with others. We have a lot of good Samaritans around that will lend a helping hand. A worthwhile read!!!
Mildred, Upatoi, GA
WOW!
What a terrific person! This is an example of TRUE service without the expectation of compensation. It’s impressive.
The true power of the individual
Stories like these show the true power of the individual. One man inspired so much in so many and in such a selfless way. Kudos to this man.
You're Awesome, Eric
Dear Eric ~
YOU’RE AWESOME. I have a sister in law I have been trying to get help for in Tarpon Springs. Her husband had a stroke and she could definitely use someone like you in Tarpon. Her Assoc says she has too many weeds and vines. She is a wonderful person who is burning the candle at both ends. Do you know someone as wonderful as you (in Tarpon) Eric that can help her out?
THANKS ~ THANKS ~ THANKS skelvers@aol.com