Rural Carrier Associate Jaylen Lockhart, a recent Postmaster General Heroes’ Program honoree, was recently given the honor of lighting his hometown’s official Christmas tree.
Lockhart has received recognition from the city of Aurora, IL, for helping 78-year-old resident Guy Miller after he fell while walking his dog. He comforted Miller and called for others to help before heading to the customer’s residence to summon family members to the scene.
“Not all heroes wear capes; some carry mailbags,” Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin said in a statement. “Jaylen’s actions have ensured the Miller family has a wonderful holiday season. So it’s only fitting that Jaylen flip the big switch to light our Christmas tree and usher in the holiday season.”
The Miller family took to social media to praise Lockhart’s actions and thank him for stopping to help while delivering mail. The story has gone viral and resulted in invitations throughout the holiday season.
In addition to a seat at the Miller family’s Thanksgiving dinner, Lockhart was honored at an Aurora City Council meeting, where it was announced that Aug. 29 — the date of his birthday — will be known as “Jaylen Lockhart Day.”
The Chicago Tribune later referred to Lockhart as Aurora’s “most famous Good Samaritan.”
Serving those who serve
Employees at two USPS facilities recently handled large shipments of care packages to military members serving overseas.
At Fort Point Station in Boston, retail associates Melissa Sooyee and Wendy Tejeda processed 300 packages destined for Kuwait. The packages were sponsored by the Teamsters Local 25 and Massachusetts’ Executive Office of Veterans Services.
“A neighborly organization and a veterans group wanted to spread holiday cheer to our active military people, and the Postal Service was the glue that held this operation together,” said Brian Cronin, station manager. “It’s a great feeling, and we’re grateful to be a part of it.”
Added Sooyee: “Processing these packages felt different — especially since my brother is in the military and he is stationed overseas. It was special.”
In the Old Bridge, NJ, Post Office, retail associates processed 170 Priority Mail large flat-rate boxes before the retail window officially opened at 9 a.m. It took three weeks of planning to make it happen.
Employees processed the mailing “seamlessly and ensured its success,” said Cynthia Maroldi, customer services supervisor.
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