Lake Como neighborhood comes together to support essential workers

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A group of neighbors in Orlando’s Lake Como neighborhood came together to help essential workers like their mailman.

The Bailey family and a group of neighbors set up a sanitation and hydration station in front of their house in early April. The station includes a table with a sink, a hose, soap and hand sanitizer. The group also set up a cooler with drinks and a bin with toilet paper and paper towels.

“I have a couple of friend, Mike and Gaby, who kind of created something similar in their neighborhood and it inspired me. They had cold drinks and a handwashing station for their local delivery workers. I thought it was such a good gesture to do something nice and think about the good things that we can do in a time that’s kind of rough for a lot of people,” said Ari Bailey.

Her husband Drew went on to say, “It makes me feel good that were doing something for the community and the people that are out there helping us as well while were in this situation.”

Read: Looking ahead: What Phase 2, 3 could look like when reopening

Terry Mitchell is the Bailey’s mail carrier and loves the idea. “I thank them every day for this. This is beyond words, To be honest with you. When I come here it lets me know that someone is thinking of me today.”

Terry (or Mr. Terry as he’s affectionately called in the area) has been delivering mail for the last 5 years. Before that he was a sergeant major in the Army.

“Since I've been on this route everyone has treated me like family. I'm not a mailman here, my name is Mr. Terry or Terry, it's not mailman. And I like that. It shows me that they appreciate me,” said Terry.

Read: Governor says phase 1 of reopening can begin May 4: What that means for Central Florida

If you’re interested in setting up a sanitation station of your own, Ari told WFTV-Channel 9 that by splitting up the cost amongst neighbors, she’s only spend around $30 over the last month.

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