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USPS News Link – 5\/11\/20 – How many journeys to the White House start with a roll of toilet paper?<\/p>\n
That\u2019s exactly what led Cincinnati Letter Carrier Kyle West \u2014 now known to millions as \u201cMailman Kyle\u201d \u2014 to the Blue Room on May 1 to receive praise from President Donald Trump during a recognition ceremony dubbed \u201cHard Work, Heroism and Hope.\u201d<\/p>\n
West was one of several people invited to the nation\u2019s capital to highlight their charitable responses to the\u00a0coronavirus pandemic<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n In the case of the 23-year-old letter carrier, he had been moved by a customer\u2019s plea for help in March.<\/p>\n The homebound man, who has dementia, desperately needed toilet paper.<\/p>\n West gladly gave him a roll, and he soon decided to reach out to 400 of the most vulnerable customers on his route \u2014 namely older folks trying to avoid coronavirus exposure, and those with lower incomes who are struggling financially as the pandemic takes an economic toll.<\/p>\n He distributed a note with his phone number: \u201cIf you are at risk and need help getting essential items, let me know. I will do what I can to help. Sincerely, Mailman Kyle.\u201d<\/p>\n West heard from around 50 customers with urgent needs, as well as countless others thanking him and offering to donate necessities \u2014 such as toilet paper, milk, paper towels and soap \u2014 that he distributes while delivering mail.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a lot to deal with, but it\u2019s not a hassle,\u201d West said. \u201cI love these people and they love me. I like helping them.\u201d<\/p>\n Angelena Fondenberger, West\u2019s supervisor at Cincinnati\u2019s Groesbeck Branch, said he \u201cbrought a lot of his route and the community together.\u201d<\/p>\n He also received significant media attention, including coverage from\u00a0\u201cGood Morning America<\/a>,\u201d\u00a0CNN<\/a><\/em>,\u00a0People<\/a><\/em>\u00a0and John Krasinski\u2019s popular new web series,\u00a0\u201cSome Good News<\/a>.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0The episode featuring West has garnered nearly 6 million views so far on YouTube.<\/p>\n Then came word that West was wanted at the White House.<\/p>\n A whirlwind trip ensued, including his first plane ride. He points out that his responsibilities as a hard-working dad with a 5-year-old son have long kept him close to home, although he enjoyed Washington and hopes to return someday.<\/p>\n