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This Boy Asked His Mailman For JUNK Mail. After Learning Why, He Responded Spectacularly

July 29, 2015

Ron Lynch, a mail carrier for the USPS in Salt Lake City, was initially confused by a 12 year-old's request for junk mail. When he found out why, he knew he had to do something.

Credit: Scott G Winterton / Deseret News

Lynch spotted the boy fishing advertisements and newsletters out of a mail bin. He told Lynch that he was looking for something to read.

Soon after, Lynch shared this post on Facebook:

"Facebook friends... This is Matthew Flores. Today while delivering mail to his apartment complex, I saw him reading ads, and then he asked me if I had any extra mail he could read. He told me his wish is to have books to read. I told him the library had many, but he said they don't have a car, and couldn't afford the bus. So... let's get this 12 year old some books! Let's help him. I was given many books as a child, and it's time to help someone else! Please share and let's get him tons of reading material! Most kids his age want electronics! It's great to see his desire, and you should have seen him beam when I said I could help!"

Lynch thought the Facebook post might bring in 50 to 6o books, he told local news outlet KSL. But his request went viral.

People from around the world, including the U.K., Australia and India, have sent books, Lynch said. Hundreds of books have been delivered to the boy's door so far.

Matthew said he promises to read every book, then share them with other children.