UPS Driver Receives Text From Customer Asking Him To Stop By Unaware Neighborhood Mob About To Ambush Him

Aug 24, 2020 by apost team

For 30 years, George Watkins Sr. has been a dedicated UPS driver with an impeccable work ethic. Just as many essential workers, Watkins put in hours of extra work as the pandemic hit the globe this year.

Residents of Smithtown, New York, on Long Island, the route he had been working for the past 13 years, took notice of his extra work and knew they needed to thank him somehow. That's when they texted him with the pretense of helping a resident of the neighborhood, only to ambush him with a heartfelt surprise when he arrived at the scene. 

George Watkins Sr. clearly loves his job. Part of the reason is that he has gotten to know his customers over the years.

"I like what I do, and just being in that area and knowing so many people in that area just makes everything great for me," Watkins told ABC News.

He waves at the locals and they wave back. This UPS driver is a member of the local community and a familiar face during these challenging times.

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Times have been tough during the pandemic. According to ABC News, the father of four has now been classified as an essential worker. This is because people were asked to stay home and quarantine during the coronavirus shutdown. That means people had to order their goods to be delivered to their homes. Hardworking people like George have stepped up. Although George has his own family that is going through the same pandemic, he is still taking on extra work shifts. That is because there is so much work.

The Smithtown locals have noticed that George is around six days a week and for longer hours. Despite the long work hours, the UPS veteran is never stopped smiling and waving at locals. He brought joy to everyone who encountered him.

The Smithtown locals started talking about thanking their favorite essential worker. They wanted to surprise George Watkins Sr. and express their deepest appreciation. Even before the pandemic, George would go the extra mile to bring heavy boxes into homes. He always had a smile on his face.

"During the pandemic, we noticed he was working later hours, six days a week, while we were all safe at home, and we just wanted to do something to say thank you," said Linda Muratore, a resident of the neighborhood.

"He always had a smile on his face. He'd go out of his way to be extra helpful, carrying extra packages. So, just being the person that he is and us knowing him for so long, we just wanted to do something to give back."

Knowing George could not resist an opportunity to help, they texted him to come down a particular street, at an exact time. Someone needed help. Now, they prepared for the surprise.

George diligently drove down the street to where someone needed his help. It was tough going because so many cars lined the street in front of him. As he approached, the locals started cheering and waving signs. As shown in the YouTube video, George was "blown away" by this gesture.

George spoke to the crowd. He shared how he loved watching the kids grow up in this neighborhood that he spent over a decade delivering. He said that he felt "blessed."

Most of all, George Watkins Sr. said he felt "humbled" by the neighborhood that appreciated his work. He said that the attention was an "awesome feeling" that certainly stayed with him long after this surprise mob. Essential workers have had a stressful time during the pandemic. This appreciation clearly made the sacrifice all the more worthwhile.

What do you and your friends think of this neighborhood surprise? Have you and others in your communities thanked essential workers for their hard work? Let us know in the comments and make sure you pass this along to your friends and family!