DerlinNewey, an 89-year-old man from Weber County, Utah, has already reached an impressive age, but his Social Security checks aren’t covering his expenses. He works for a local Papa John’s as a delivery man, and despite being forced to work at his advanced age, he hasn’t let that affect his attitude — something the Valdez family recognized and honored.
Fans of pizza, the Valdezes order Papa John’s quite often. And when they do, they specifically request Newey, who always shows up with his signature greeting: “Hello, are you looking for some pizza?” The Valdezes, who have over 60,000 followers on TikTok, have featured Newey in the past, and their viewers have fallen in love with the elderly gentleman. “Everybody loves him,” Dad Carlos Valdez said.
The family has grown so fond of him that they decided to do something wonderful for the man. After they started a fundraiser for Newey, it wasn’t long before generous donors had given to the tune of $12,000 — a sizable amount by any standard, but especially so for someone in Newey’s shoes. “Collectively as a community, we all came together, and we were able to raise $12,000 for this amazing person,” CarlosValdez explained. “Somebody at that age should not be working that much.”
All that was left was to surprise Newey in his own home, making a special delivery to their special delivery man. “Good morning, dude! How are you doing?” CarlosValdez greeted Newey. The “TikTok famous” delivery man thought he was going to bring him a shirt with his signature saying (which he did), but he got far more than he had expected when CarlosValdez handed him a fat envelope stuffed with cash.
Newey didn’t even know what TikTok was, asking “Is that an online group you communicate with each other through the telephone?” “This couldn’t have gone any better,” CarlosValdez said. “He needed this. I’m just glad we could help him. We just need to treat people with kindness and respect the way he does. He stole our hearts.”
4. Why does Newey still work in his later years?
A.At his fans’ request. | B.For his love for the job. |
C.Out of financial necessity. | D.For experiencing a new lifestyle. |
5. What does the underlined word “featured” in Paragraph2 mean?
A.Starred. | B.Surprised. | C.Sponsored. | D.Employed. |
6. What did Newey think CarlosValdez would do to come to his home?
A.Ask him for his signature. | B.Bring him a special shirt. |
C.Deliver him a large fortune. | D.Offer him a pizza for free. |
7. What can we learn about the Valdezes according to the text?
A.They’re ambitious and selfless. | B.They’re determined and creative. |
C.They’re serious and intelligent. | D.They’re friendly and considerate. |