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Ponoka News carriers deliver more than the paper

Katie Hodges and Aubree Reynolds have become well-known on their route

Two young girls take their jobs as carriers for Ponoka News (a Black Press paper) to the next level — delivering not only the local news of the week, but heartfelt messages and artwork, bringing cheer to those on their route.

Katie Hodges and Aubree Reynolds, both seven, have been best friends for four years.

The two girls are nearly “inseparable” says Katie’s mom Kathy Hodges so it seemed only natural that the pair would do a joint newspaper route together.

The duo started their route, about four blocks in the neighbourhood of Lucas Heights in Ponoka, at the end of summer. They go together with their moms, Kathy and Nicole Reynolds, and a younger brother who sometimes helps out.

Because the girls are a bit shy, the idea started to put notes in the papers as a way for them to come out of their shells a bit and make them feel more comfortable while doing their routes.

Their first note was a simple “Say hi if you see us.”

After that introduction, the girls left notes and pictures in their papers for each holiday since (Thanksgiving, Halloween and Christmas).

The residents on their route in Lucas Heights near the hospital quickly caught on, especially the seniors, and many come out to greet them in person when the girls come to their doors with their papers.

The young carriers are so popular, in fact, that they received several gifts at Christmas time, such as water bottles with their names on them, about $100 each in tips, candy and homemade soap.

“It’s just been the most amazing thing ever,” said Kathy.

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Emily Jaycox

About the Author: Emily Jaycox

I’m Emily Jaycox, the editor of Ponoka News and the Bashaw Star. I’ve lived in Ponoka since 2015 and have over seven years of experience working as a journalist in central Alberta communities.
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