HOUSTON — A longtime UPS driver was honored with a big celebration and gift for his commitment to a Cypress-area community.
Tommie Moy has been with UPS for 35 years and he describes himself as a "year-round Santa Claus."
"I got what you want. You know, you ordered something you're looking for me and I'm happy to bring it to you to make you happy," he said.
Customers say Moy's not only a superb delivery driver but also a great friend to all and an advocate for community service.
In the Coles Crossing neighborhood in Cypress, residents have nothing but great things to say about Moy.
"He's an individual that has a huge impact on anyone that he comes in contact with," one resident told us.
Community members came together Tuesday to surprise Moy and to express their appreciation.
"The emotions just start overflowing. I mean, I was overwhelmed, I was just totally overwhelmed that you could bring so many people together," Moy said.
Resident Austin Staats said he's gotten to know Moy well over the last four years since he works from home.
"It's just gotten to be to the point where every single day when Tommy, you know, drives up, I wanna run outside and talk to him," Staats said.
Resident Neil Stegent said Moy is one of the best delivery drivers he's ever met in his life.
"If he's not delivering something to your house when he's driving by, he's honking and he's waving. Just the greatest guy you'd ever want to meet in your life," he said.
Staats said residents planned to raise between $500 and $1,000 to gift Moy as a token of appreciation, but the donations kept coming.
"I thought if we could get the $3,500 for every year of service that he's had, that would be super cool," he said.
They ended up surprising Moy with more than double that amount: $600 cash and a $7,500 check.
"In my wildest dream, I never could have expected this to happen, you know, and, I guess, God is great. I love you guys. Thank you. You didn't have to do it, but thank you," Moy said.
The Coles Crossing community also raised over $11,000 in a 2017 GoFundMe after Moy and his wife Tina's home was flooded by Hurricane Harvey.
Video shot and assembled by Mars Juarez.