Mailman Surprised with Cooler Full of Ice-Cold Drinks & Sweet Note From 8-Year-Old Boy
Summer temperatures were oppressive as mailman Henry Bailey worked his Newport News, Virginia, route.
But a gift from a little boy left Bailey cool on the outside and warm on the inside. It happened in 2016 when Bailey walked up 8-year-old Carmine McDaniel’s porch.
Carmine placed a red cooler on the porch and wrote a note addressed to the mailman. “Water & Gatorade in cooler. Have a good day!” the note read.
A home security camera captured Bailey’s excited reaction. It was as though he’d found an oasis in the middle of a scorching desert.
After the delightful video went viral, Carmine explained what was going through his mind when he left the drinks for Bailey.
“I just thought because it was really hot outside and I didn’t want him to maybe pass out or anything,” Carmine said.
“Because they are really important so people can pay their bills and stuff like that and I didn’t want him to pass out pretty much.”
Carmine’s mother, Terra McDaniel, helped her son pull off the act of kindness.
“Carmine and I were aware how hot it was, and he came up with the idea of giving the mailman something to drink on hot summer days,” McDaniel told TODAY.
She said Carmine has shown a newfound understanding and compassion for people working in harsh weather conditions. “Ever since this, it’s opened up his mind to help others who work outside in hot conditions,” McDaniel said.
“He’s a really selfless 8-year-old,” McDaniel said. “He’s an old soul.”
Carmine’s simple action has inspired others to do similar acts of kindness in their hometowns. Offering a cold drink may sound simple, but it sure makes a difference to those who are outside working hard, all summer long.
In the months and years that have passed since this first incident, Carmine has turned his attention to helping others in his area.
His sights are set on helping UPS drivers and sanitation workers, and of course, keeping the cooler well-stocked for Bailey.
As temperatures soar this summer, consider how you might be able to help keep others safe. Chances are, your mail delivery people will love it.
Just ask Bailey, who said he was moved by Carmine’s sweet gesture. “It makes it worthwhile,” he said.
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