As mailman Ron Lynch was putting mail into an apartment complex mailbox, he heard someone utter the words, “Bananas, 66 cents.” In an interview with ABC News, the mailman said:
“I was putting mail in the individual boxes for the apartment residents last Thursday when I heard this kid reading through a grocery ad, things like ‘Bananas, 66 cents,’ that kind of thing.”
When Ron went to investigate the words, he was greeted by Matthew Flores, a 12-year-old boy, who asked him if he had any extra newspapers.
Ron learned that Matthew was a typical 12-year-old in love with LEGOs— but he also loves to read.
Unfortunately, because Matthew doesn’t have any real books, “I just usually just the read newspapers,” he explained.
Ron suggested that Matthew go to the library and take out books for free, but the boy told him his family couldn’t afford the bus pass. As an avid reader himself, Matthew’s story tugged on Ron’s heartstrings. “You know, I started reading at a very, very early age,” he said.
“At 12 years old, he didn’t want any electronics. He didn’t want to sit in front of the TV playing games all day.”
“This kid just wanted to read.”
Hearing Matthews’ story, Ron knew he had to help. “I came over and talked to his mom, who mostly spoke Spanish,” he said. “She gave me permission to use a photo of him which I posted to Facebook along with a plea asking for book donations to his address.”
Ron shared Matthew’s photo on Facebook and captioned it with the following plea:
“Facebook friends… This is Matthew Flores. Today while delivering mail to his apartment complex, I saw him reading ads, and then he asked me if I had any extra mail he could read.
“He told me his wish is to have books to read. I told him the library had many, but he said they don’t have a car, and couldn’t afford the bus.
“So… let’s get this 12-year-old some books! Let’s help him. I was given many books as a child, and it’s time to help someone else! Please share and let’s get him tons of reading material!
“Most kids his age want electronics! It’s great to see his desire, and you should have seen him beam when I said I could help!”
Ron had realistic expectations about the whole idea. “You know, 10, 20, 30 of my friends might give him some books,” he said. “He might end up with 50 or 60 books.”
Ron’s request to help Matthew went completely viral, and the little boy received a total of 500 books from people around the world.
“It’s gone from there,” Ron explained.
“”I’ve heard from the UK, from Australia, from India.”
A pantry that had been sitting in the family’s kitchen has now been moved to Matthew’s room to hold all of his new additions. The young boy is beyond excited to immerse himself in his favorite tales. “[Reading]’s super fun and it’s interesting,” he told ABC News. “Plus, it gets you smarter.”
Matthew is overwhelmed by the support and gifts he’s received from everyone.
“I don’t even know, I’m just super happy,” he exclaimed.
Hear the heartwarming story below!
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