SHORELINE — Daniel Lydin hasn’t lost his touch — in fact it’s a wonder the newspapers don’t turn to gold before they reach residents’ hands.
For the second year in a row, the 13-year-old has won the Enterprise’s annual Carrier of the Year contest.
The Einstein Middle School eighth-grader is popular on his route, his content customers say, because he cares about them and takes the time to chat. Not to mention, the newspaper typically arrives hand-delivered.
“I just like seeing people smile when they get the paper,” Lydin said matter-of-factly.
Compassion is what makes Lydin unique, said one resident, who detailed a particular occasion when Lydin exemplified his courage and kindness.
The incident occurred in December, when Lydin knocked on Diane Crouse’s door to deliver the paper and collect for the previous month. While waiting at the door for Crouse to return with money, Lydin noticed a strange man in her house who he had never seen during previous visits.
When Crouse returned to the door, Lydin quietly asked her if everything was all right. Crouse told him that she was fine and the man was a plumber who was cleaning clogged drains.
“I know that if I had answered no, he would have gone to the next house and called the police,” Crouse said.
Lydin’s mother, Beth, said Crouse commented several times about her son’s actions.
“I knew she was impressed; she felt he would save the day,” Lydin’s mother said. “I am very proud of him. He cares about his customers.”
Other customers agree that Lydin is especially courteous. His trademark is the delivery of papers to front porches, which is often accompanied by a friendly visit.
“The paper is always dry on our porch and on time,” said one Enterprise reader. “Daniel is always courteous and friendly.”
“Daniel has always been the best and most polite newspaper carrier to everyone in my neighborhood,” said another. “He is very diligent about his work and just basically always a good kid.”
Lydin delivers the Enterprise every Friday to about 60 residents and says over the past year he has strengthened bonds with his customers.
Not surprisingly, Lydin is putting his newspaper money to good use. He is saving for an upcoming spring break trip to the East Coast, where he intends to tour New York, Philadelphia and Amish country.
In addition to delivering the paper, Lydin spends his time wrestling, playing football, soccer and baseball, building airplane models, volunteering at Calvary Fellowship Church and playing baritone and alto saxophone.
Lydin said his future in the newspaper delivery business depends on his schedule next year at Shorewood High School.
If he keeps his route, a third consecutive title could be in the cards.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
