Boy leaves esky on porch for mailman during heatwave

A Virginia boy has left a fully stocked esky out for a neighbourhood mailman, who was forced to walk through a sweltering heatwave.

A Newport News resident Carmine McDaniel’s thoughtful act was inspired after temperatures topped 40 degrees last week.

"Carmine and I were aware how hot it was, and he came up with the idea of giving the mailman something to drink on hot summer days," mother Terra McDaniel told TODAY US.

“He's a really selfless eight-year-old. He's an old soul."

The family made sure to leave out an esky containing bottles of Gatorade and for the postman during his next visit.

The man’s relieved reaction was captured on CCTV and posted to Facebook by Ms McDaniel.

"Thank god, thank you," he can be heard saying.

“Oh my god, yes! I’ll take it all.”

The video has since been viewed thousands of times, and received the praise of many Facebook users.

“So kind and thoughtful,” said user Alyssa Belton.

“A simple act of kindness really does go a long way.”