Jennifer Gower wants to deliver more than the news.
On Monday morning, the Times-Tribune carrier included a note with her newspapers.
“My hope is everyone is safe and secure,” she wrote. “Stay safe. Stay well and we’ll get through this together.”
If someone on her Clarks Summit route could not get to the store, she’d be happy to drop off a gallon of milk, loaf of bread or other grocery item when she delivers the day’s news.
“This is a scary time,” said Gower, who has delivered newspapers for three years. “Just knowing that someone is out there who can help is a sigh of relief.”
She knows that some of the residents on her route are senior citizens and don’t feel comfortable leaving their homes during the coronavirus pandemic.
“They just need to know there are people there for them,” the 47-year-old Factoryville resident said. “They’re not alone.”
She included her phone number on the note, and has received calls already — some by people just thanking her for looking out for others, and a couple of residents in need of help.
“It’s such a simple act,” Gower said. “I’m already at their doorstep each morning.”
Joe Nealon, director of circulation for The Times-Tribune, called Gower’s act going “above and beyond” for subscribers.
“Her kindness is a great example for everyone to follow,” he said. “We appreciate Jennifer and the entire team of dedicated carriers.”
When Clarks Summit resident Marla Volpe read the note Monday, she felt inspired by Gower’s kindness.
“It definitely brightened my morning,” Volpe said. “It was just such a nice thing to do.”
Sarah balances life as a reporter for The Times-Tribune and as the mom of two little girls. A graduate of Ithaca College, Sarah started covering education in 2006. She has received awards for her reporting from the Society of Professional Journalists, Pennsylvania Newsmedia Association, Inland Press Association and Pennsylvania Women’s Press Association. She lives in Clarks Summit with her husband, their daughters and their sweet pug, Sadie. Reach her at shofius@timesshamrock.com, 570-348-9133 or @HofiusHallTT.
