TEMPLE, Texas — Virgil Smith is 81 years old and lives in Temple. He lives alone and has been living with a number of disabilities.
"For the last six months, I've been in and out of rehab in the hospital," Smith explained. "Generally, life hadn't been that sweet the last six months."
Over the last six months, Smith told 6 News he has fallen three times. He now gets around with his wheelchair and his walker. Now, when it's time to get his mail, the distance from his home to the mailbox is too far.
“The wheelchair does not go in and out of the house very good, just alright," Smith added. "But I can't walk to the mailbox and back.”
Because of this, Smith hardly gets his mail when he needs it most.
“Between my Visiting Angel, my next-door neighbor and my son, maybe I get my mail once or twice a week," Smith told 6 News.
So, Smith's neighbor installed a new mailbox right outside of his garage for better access. Smith then sent a request to the United States Postal Service (USPS) on Sept. 4 to request for his mail to be delivered to the new mailbox.
After weeks of no response from USPS about his request, Smith reached back out again to see if his request could be fulfilled.
"I got a notification back Sept. 26 saying that they would contact me within one or two business days and try to remedy the situation," Smith told 6 News. "Have not heard a word. I haven't got an email."
6 News reached out to USPS Wednesday, Oct. 9 to learn if and when Smith's request would be accommodated.
On Friday, Oct. 11, Becky Hernandez with USPS responded to our email saying quote:
“The Postal Service is a customer-oriented organization, and always strives to provide excellent service to its customers. In this case, local postal management has approved the customer’s request, and has instructed all delivery personnel to provide mail delivery to the mailbox closest to the door. The customer will be receiving an approval letter with additional details. We apologize to our valued customer for any inconvenience that may have been caused.” - Hernandez.
Smith said the greatest thing happened next.
"I was sitting out here when the mail was delivered, the mail carrier personally thanked and apologized for the post office and said that they had lost [the request] somewhere in the process," Smith explained.
In the mail, Smith did in fact receive a letter from USPS explaining how they were apologetic about Smith's request going unheard. For the last two days, Smith said his mail has been delivered to the mailbox near his home and he's extremely grateful for it.
"Channel 6 Fix it works," Smith shared. "You got a problem, let them know."
The USPS mail carrier also told Smith that he would personally remove the mailbox that's placed on the curb at the front of his home. He wants to ensure that no matter who delivers Smith's mail, it will always be as accessible as possible for Smith.