By LAUREN WEST

The Natchez Democrat

VIDALIA — United Parcel Service driver James Campbell, 37, of Natchez has made an impression on just about everyone he meets along his delivery route, but he takes it in stride.

Earlier this summer, Vidalia resident Alaina Lee, 34, praised Campbell’s generosity and community spirit in a social media post.The post garnered more than 1,400 likes and 450 shares.

The post featured a picture of Campbell with the following words:

“Y’all I need to give a huge shout out to James Campbell. Our neighborhood UPS guy who goes above and beyond for our neighborhood kids. I can’t tell you the countless times he has bought all 14 kids an ice cream from the ice cream truck along with ordering them all fidget spinners. He makes them happy and puts a huge smile on each of their faces! We love him and want the world to know just how awesome he is. If (you) see him bless him because he sure blesses each and every one of our kids.”

Lee said she first met Campbell last summer after he bought ice cream for her son, Marc Lee, 8, and 14 other children one hot summer day.

Since then, she said, Campbell has been a hit in the neighborhood with the children and their mothers.

“He is a great guy, and he is a positive influence on the kids; we need more people like that,” said Leah Roberts, 36, of Vidalia, who is the mother of Jacye Roberts, 10, who is pictured with Campbell and Lee’s son Marc in the picture accompanying the Facebook post.

Aside from buying the children treats, Campbell’s rapport with the children is what stands out.

“His interaction with the kids is great,” Lee said. “He gives them high-fives and always asks them how they are doing. I think that he is always in a great mood and has a smile on his face, and that puts everyone in a good mood.”

Campbell, who has worked for UPS for 11 years, joined the company, he said, because of the opportunity to meet new people every day.

“I got with UPS because of the good money and benefits but also as a way to help people,” Campbell said, adding he believes giving back to the community is a way to show his appreciation for their business with UPS.

“They get packages and that supports my job, so I try to do what I can for them and their kids,” Campbell said.

Campbell’s acts of generosity and compassion do not end when his shift does. Campbell said he frequently plans community service projects with friends and coworkers.

Currently, Campbell is raising money to buy school supplies for children in need.

In addition, both Campbell, who is black, and Lee, who is white, said they see Campbell’s actions as a great step toward better race relations in the community.   

“I love seeing different races coming together and breaking racial divides,” Campbell said.

And with hashtags on her Facebook such as #kidsaretaughtracism and #bestguyaround, Lee shares the same sentiment.

“He’s a great guy, he’s positive influence on the kids,” Lee said, “We need more people like him in every race.”