Beloved members of the Long Beach community are celebrating receiving birthday cards from strangers around the world thanks to a post next door made four years ago.
Nathan Bonsty, a young man with Down syndrome who loves Disney and the Dodgers, will turn 24 on March 22nd. His wish is to connect widely with people.
During the Covid-19 lockdown, Nathan’s mother, Cindy Bonsty, thought it was a good idea to have people send him letters.
She posted a request to the app next door and it took off.
“He received some from the UK, Australia, Canada and the US,” Cindy told KTLA’s Carlos Sodeuce. “It’s fun to open the map and show him how far the cards are from where we live.”
Most of the cards Nathan has received so far happened two years ago when over 3,000 birthday cards were sent to his Long Beach address.
“It was between Covids and he wasn’t in school. He’s been out of school since then, he doesn’t have a day program, he’s just staying home with me,” Cindy said. “Just thinking, ‘Let’s bring some joy to this child’, I realized how much joy other people are bringing. ”
Cindy said they appreciate the love and support, Nathan has received around his birthday, especially from strangers.
“He’s only had 78 this year,” Cindy said Sunday.
However, as it remains a week before Nathan’s birthday, his family and community hope that more cards will come in.
Those who wish to send Nathan a birthday card can be mailed to 6938 E. Fairbrook St. in Long Beach.
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