Many people complain about being bored due to the virus. But a NJ man found a productive solution.
Greg Dailey has delivered newspapers to the same community for 25 years. He has built a good rapport with his customers. In March, he received a call from an elderly resident, asking if he could bring the paper closer to the ailing woman’s door. He did more than that.
He thought if she’s struggling to get the newspaper from the sidewalk, what else was a struggle for her? Dailey offered to bring groceries to the 88-year-old woman, as well as groceries to a friend. Soon, this one favor grew into a community volunteer network.
Dailey, whose business was closed due to the pandemic, decided that he had time to go to the supermarket, then retrace his delivery route with the goods. To spread the word, he stuffed flyers into the newspapers of his 450 customers. The note read, “My name is Greg Dailey and I deliver your newspaper every morning. I understand during these trying times it is difficult for some to get out of their house to get everyday necessities. I would like to offer my services free of charge to anyone who needs groceries, household products, etc. I can deliver the goods directly to your front door.”
Since March 21, Dailey has now made more than 900 deliveries. Not long after he launched the charity tour, offers came pouring in to help. Some offered to pay his gas or buy groceries for customers who were in need. He also got his wife, three children and mother-in-law involved. These days, he’s up to 12 volunteers.
“I sit there and talk to them. It’s become more than just a shopping and delivery service,” said Dailey.
Greg Dailey is a true hometown hero.
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