The Observer Newspapers | A Good Deed Makes Any Day Great

April 10, 2008

A Good Deed Makes Any Day Great

Herndon resident Jean Deavers was the recipient of a fantastic gift of community goodwill last week when she started off her day by running errands and stopping by the Herndon Post Office.

Her purse tipped over and several items fell over the counter and onto the clerk's work space below. The clerk returned the items to Ms. Deavers, and she finished up her errand and got on her way. But the next man in line, who was tall enough to see over the counter, noticed that Ms. Deavers had dropped $200, folded up and held together with a paper clip, that she was going to use for her groceries later in the day. Ms. Deavers had already gone on her way, but the man gave the money to the postal clerk and also called the Herndon Police to report his finding.

When Ms. Deavers arrived home just 10 minutes later, she received a call from the postmaster about her lost money-before she even noticed the money was missing. She hustled back and picked up the cash, and then went to the Herndon Police station to talk with officers about the report.

The officer could not disclose the name of the man who found her money, but he did dial the man's telephone number and ask him if he would like to speak with Ms. Deavers.

She thanked him profusely, learned that his name was Gene, and promised to pass on his act of kindness to another.

When Ms. Deavers stopped in at The Observer office to tell me about her experience shortly after it was all over, I asked her if she was finally headed out to buy her groceries. "No," she said. She said she was headed straight home to make a nice cup of tea and spend a few minutes counting her blessings and thanking God for taking such good care of her.