Lavonte Harvey, a 23-year-old Chicago mailman, is becoming a local celebrity thanks to his delightful delivery method. Instead of just dropping off letters, he serenades residents on his route, turning a mundane task into a cheerful daily event.
This charming routine was recently caught on a front porch camera outside a grandmother’s home. After seeing the video, the grandmother shared it with her granddaughter, Whitney Cumbo, who then posted it online and included a touching message that explained the profound importance of the mail carrier’s daily visits.
“My grandmother lost her husband of 50 years, and the mailman is her daily dose of life,” Cumbo wrote on the post. “You are appreciated.”
The simple act of kindness resonated deeply with viewers, drawing nearly 14 million views and sparking over 12,000 comments.
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Harvey, who witnessed the widespread display of support, shared his thoughts on the significance of the moment with viewers.
“Hey y’all it’s been so many of you commenting and sharing and I can’t get to everyone so here’s my message to you all,” the mailman commented. “Thank you for the genuine support love and laughter It has not gone unnoticed at all. I’m filled with so much joy to finally be seen and heard and no longer feel like an outcast.”
He then discussed his experiences with mental health.
“Depression had a hold on me for a very long time but God reminded me through each of you that no matter what life throws in our direction, there is joy to be found in every moment even the smallest ones,” he added.
“I keep my battles to myself. In our community, showing emotion can feel frowned upon so I’ve learned to carry a lot quietly. I try to find joy in the smallest things and keep myself going by spreading positive energy and seeing others smile,” he said. “Lately I’ve been learning how to keep pushing in healthier ways and trusting God to be my strength instead of using the joy I give to others as the only thing that keeps me standing.”
The huge amount of support generated by the viral video has dramatically changed Harvey’s life. He shared with ABC7 Chicago that the encouragement inspired him to start his own clothing line. Before the video went viral, he had a tough daily commute, spending two and a half hours each way traveling across Chicago by public transportation, from the east to the west side.
Cumbo started a GoFundMe campaign for Harvey, even though Harvey hadn’t asked for one. Harvey was able to purchase a new car with the nearly $10,000 pooled together by hundreds of strangers supporting his cause, which notably cut his commute time from two hours down to just 30 minutes.
“I’m able to walk my dog now in the morning, come home and feed him in time,” Harvey told the outlet. “I’m able to have more of a personal life. It’s not all just work-life based.”
He added, “For me, I just want to keep spreading hope. Be your true, authentic self, don’t allow anyone or nay-sayers tell you who you can or cannot be. Even when no one is watching, be who you are.”
He told Book Club Chicago in a separate interview, “I am beyond grateful for it, because we’re in a hard time. A lot of folks are struggling as the economy is changing. So many people donated, even when they had so little, and there’s just a lot of people out there doing acts of kindness every day.”
Harvey also told Good Morning America that he is now consistently in touch with Cumbo and her family, adding that the experience has totally changed his life.
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