Ice Cream Man Robert Weaver Has Served Deaf And Blind Children In Talladega, Alabama, For More Than 50 Years

An octogenarian is being recognized for his decades of service to disabled young people at the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind, HLNTV reports.

Affectionately known in his hometown of Talladega, Ala., as the 'Ice Cream Man' for the frozen treats he delivers to the institute's youngsters, Weaver has been volunteering with deaf and blind children for more than half a century.

According to the NASCAR Foundation, who awarded Weaver the inaugural Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award last December, the octogenarian has already made an estimated 12,000 campus visits to the institute over his lifetime and continues to contribute more than 30 hours a week to his many charitable endeavors.

"Robert Weaver is an icon in the city of Talladega. He grew up here. He has continued to give back to this community for all of his 83 years," Lynne Hanner, the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind's director of institutional advancement, said in an interview with NASCAR Foundation.

From teaching deaf and blind students how to ride tricycles to helping to raise more than $200,000 for the construction of the institute's center for prayer and spiritual counseling, Weaver has been an indispensable supporter of Talladega's deaf and blind community.

"Robert has committed more than half of his life to these deaf and blind students. That's astounding," said Hanner.

But of his many contributions, perhaps the most enduring has been his role as the 'Ice Cream Man', a title he proudly wears emblazoned on a white chef's hat.

"The Ice Cream Man began coming here probably 30 years ago. He started bringing that ice cream scoop and bringing smiles. Today, he still does that," Hanner said.

In March, Weaver was honored by several city and state officials for his years of service in a dedication of a Talladega street -- Robert Weaver Way -- renamed in his honor, the Daily Home reports.

"We’re having some tough times in this country today, but one of the reasons I’m convinced we’re going to come out of this darkness is people like Robert Weaver," said U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers at the ceremony.

"I have often said that I don't hit home runs. I just do little things. It is the little things that matter so much in people's lives," said Weaver when he won the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award last year. "As I look back over my own life, working with the children of Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind has been part of my calling -- it is why I was put on this earth."

Despite the accolades for his selfless dedication to generations of children, Weaver says he's the one who has benefited the most.

"People think I'm a volunteer, but actually I'm the highest paid person here. I get my pay by direct deposit -- direct to my heart," he told HLN TV.

Watch the HLN TV video about Robert Weaver here:

Also on HuffPost:

From our partners

• Wisconsin Pastor Allows Dogs in Church Services (PHOTOS)
• 9 Kids Napping In Weird Places (VIDEOS) - www.yourtango.com
• Cleveland Kidnap Victim, Gina DeJesus, Adopts One Of Alleged Captor Ariel Castro's Dogs (PHOTOS)

Comments

[Hlynn]

06:04 PM on 05/06/2012

What a wonderful report! Mr. Weaver chose an area to concentrate his care and service on and he has been faithful to that calling. That level of integrity is very admirable and remarkable. This part of the article was particularly touching:

"People think I'm a volunteer, but actually I'm the highest paid person here. I get my pay by direct deposit -- direct to my heart,"

Such a generous, giving attitude when he has given so much of his heart to those children. I'm glad he has enjoyed his time with them all those years.

[whoissurprised]

04:11 PM on 05/06/2012

God Bless Robert Weaver for all the joy he has brought to all these people and continue much happiness and success in all you do now and forever.

[LadySaera]

03:10 PM on 05/06/2012

I just love this guy:) wonderful !

[zreader]

01:53 PM on 05/06/2012

Mr. Weaver: Every time I give myself a little pat on the back for doing a kind act for someone, a guy like you comes along to remind me that there are those who REALLY deserve that pat. May your big bank of a heart go on beating in good health for many years to come. I believe in karma, and, if I'm right, you'll be rewarded many times over for your kindness.

[cja4jc]

02:04 AM on 05/06/2012

Wonderful, uplifting story! I love to read good stories like this!!
I love how the "Ice Cream Man" put it, "I don't hit home runs. I just do little things. It is the little things that matter so much in people's lives." That's so true! It's not necessarily the huge things we do that will matter a ton in the end, it's the little, everyday things we do to show we care that add up and matter so much more overall.

[Caroleeena]

08:23 PM on 05/05/2012

What a kind hearted man. Thank you for your service sir.

[keezze]

06:09 PM on 05/05/2012

The man is GREAT.