The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Strangers fill P. O. box of autistic Canadian teen with cards, gifts
Carson Swazey does not read, write or speak, but he just sparked a spontaneous letter- writing campaign that’s all about joy and giving — and it’s gone international.
The 19- year- old Canadian, who has autism, will soon be the recipient of a torrent of personalized cards, mailed to him from strangers around the world.
Carson received widespread a t t e n t i o n a f t e r h i s mot h e r, Amanda Kinney, 46, recently posted on Facebook.
She shared that he recently l ost more than 75 pounds, i n part by t aking a daily walk to the local post office, which i s 15 minutes away, with support staffers. Once there, he opens his personal mailbox, hoping to find letters. But recently the box has been empty.
“He received some cards in June for his grad and in July for his birthday,” she wrote on Nov. 5. “He enjoys opening the box and looking for mail and carrying it home to open. Lately there hasn’t been any mail for him.”
Kinney noted that her son was frustrated when his mailbox was bare, which curbed his incentive to exercise.
So, she made a request: “Any letters, cards, pictures, or drawi ngs mailed t o him would be greatly appreciated! Receiving mail helps to keep him motivated on his daily walks and brings excitement and happiness to his day.”
Kinney i ncluded her s on’s personal P. O. Box address and wrote, “Please feel free to share this post.”
S t r a n g e r a f t e r s t r a n g e r responded, pledging to send cards. Nearly 3,000 shared the post, and many asked about his interests so they could send him something he likes.
I n recent days, Carson has already received nearly 20 letters and more than a dozen gift packages to his P. O. Box, includi ng a stuffed animal, a handcrafted hat, sticker books and a backpack, with many more cards and gifts on the way.
“It was just beautiful. People are kind – they really are,” said Kinney, who is an oncology nurse in Alberta, where she lives with her four sons; Carson is the second- oldest.
Since people asked, she replied that Carson loves nature, swimming and snow, as well as Christmas, shiny things and various cartoons.
“For me, this has turned into something much bigger than just him receiving mail,” she wrote. “This is about the compassion of strangers who are embracing my son with love and respect. His interests are being valued without judgement. I am truly humbled by this outpouring of support.”