It all began when a newspaper didn’t land where it was supposed to. Even though a delivery guy named Greg Dailey has been delivering papers in Mercer County, New Jersey for years, his aim isn’t always what it used to be. His right arm is worn out from years of throwing.
Helping the elderly customers
One 88-year-old customer wanted her newspaper placed next to the garage at her home in East Windsor home. She told Greg on the phone she didn’t want to walk down her driveway to pick it up. But Greg can’t throw that far.
A stunning realization
That’s when it hit him. This woman is nervous about venturing outside of her home, even her front yard. With the Coronavirus crisis terrifying many elderly people, how did this lady get food to eat?
Newspaper guy to grocery delivery guy
So, the next time he was at the supermarket, he gave her a call and asked if she needed anything. She provided him with a list and then made another request…could he pick up something for the neighbor across the street, as well? This is how the newspaper delivery guy became the grocery deliverer. Greg normally delivers papers to about 725 customers. But now he’s become a surprising blessing for many.
Expanding his delivery options
After that, Greg thought he might as well try to help everyone else on his route. The next day, he stuck a note in each newspaper he delivered. In it, he introduced himself and extended his offer of getting groceries and household supplies for his customers. He explained he’d deliver things to customers’ front doors and left his contact information.
An incredible response
The response was overwhelming. Of course, plenty of people requested his services. On the first day alone, nine people contacted him. But then, something surprising happened. A lot of individuals offered to help him.
That included giving him gas money for his delivery van. Customers also offered to give him food for his family. But most of all, they wanted to thank him.
A unique time in history
Coronavirus is a crisis like no other. If there’s a hurricane, you can gather with your neighbors or organize a food drive. After the terrorist attacks of 9/11, people held vigils. But now, helping means staying in your home and away from your neighbors. But people still have basic needs. Greg is doing what he can to help fill them.
A family affair
Greg’s whole family is now involved, including his wife, three kids, and even his mother-in-law. They use a Google document to keep track of each customer’s order and then sort everything in the dining room accordingly. Then they clean it with disinfectant to keep it safe. Of course, the customers reimburse Greg for the items, but he doesn’t charge anything for shopping or delivery.
Paying back kindness
A 77-year-old man calls Greg a real blessing. Ross Contiliano and his wife needed vegetables, eggs, and milk. They didn’t know how they were going to get these things without being exposed to the virus. But now, they have plenty of food.
Contiliano was Greg’s coach in baseball over three decades ago. Greg feels that helping him out is payback for his guidance. But other people who Greg helps aren’t even on his paper route.
Greg’s customers can really count him. Every community needs to come together during this trying time and Greg sets a perfect example.
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Source: NJ.com, Flickr/Valeriebb
