Mailman Steps Up For Boy Who Couldn't Afford Books

While delivering mail in a Salt Lake City suburb last week, Ron Lynch noticed a young boy reading ads. When the boy, Matthew Flores, saw Lynch he asked him if he had any extra junk mail he could spare to read. He told Lynch he wished he had some books to read, but his family couldn’t afford them.

That’s when Lynch suggested the library, but 12-year-old Matthew said his family didn’t have a car and he couldn’t afford the bus. Lynch decided to take to social media to help Matthew out. He posted this:

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Lynch’s request went viral. People from all over the world are sending Matthew books. The following photo is just the tip of the iceberg. Lynch says, “This is just a few.. the mail has barely started coming in.”

Lynch posted to his Facebook page, “Friends…I’m stunned and humbled by what happened… I deserve little credit. Its all of you who cared enough to do something about it that are the true heroes of this story. Mathew is thrilled and we’re all overwhelmed!”

It took one person noticing another to start the chain of events that made this all happen. That’s really all it takes. This is such a simple, yet inspiring story.

There are moments that present themselves every day where we can do something for someone. Our efforts may not go viral, but even if this had been a handful of books from neighbors, it would have been the same gesture. This child wanted something, he didn’t have the means to get it, and total strangers stepped up.

That’s what it means to be human.