FORT SMITH (KFSM)-- The holidays are a busy time for everyone, but for the United States Postal Service, they’re the busiest time of year.
For nearly 13 years, in rain, snow or shine, George Davis has walked the same route in Fort Smith, but even on days when the weather isn't so nice, Davis stays positive.
“Some of my customers, on the bad days, they'll say, ‘Aw man, I feel sorry for you today,’” Davis said. “Well, it's one of those things that I knew about it when I signed up, and so I just take it with the good days.”
Davis walks at least 7 miles a day delivering between 700 and 800 parcels, but with cards and presents to deliver, Davis said Christmas is even busier.”
“I've been averaging probably somewhere around 1,100 and 1,400, so it's jumped up, and we're glad to see it,” Davis said.
With more than a decade delivering in the same neighborhood, Davis has become a familiar face.
“He's just like a friend,” Bruce Thompson, who lives in the neighborhood where Davis delivers, said. “All the neighbors know George.”
Thompson said Davis has even befriended the neighborhood pets, like his dog, Dixie.
“George has been our mailman for a long time, and he always leaves Dixie a treat, so we get George a little something for Christmas because he takes care of Dixie,” Thompson said.
Thompson said he's happy to have a mailman he can trust, especially during the holidays.
“You get to know him and everything, so he's the best mailman you could have!'
Davis said if any packages come in that look like they might be Christmas presents, there will be carriers out delivering on Christmas day so everyone can have their presents on time.