A whole town pitched in to buy their favorite pizza delivery driver a new car

Delivery drivers have been working especially hard during the pandemic. Some people show their appreciation for these essential workers by leaving snacks on the porch. Others make sure to offer substantial tips. But a recent act of kindness for one local pizza delivery driver takes the cake — or should we say “pie”?

Robert Peters is a Pizza Hut delivery driver in Tipton, Indiana. To the residents of the town of about 5,000, Peters is known as “Mr. Smiles,” and with good reason. He has worked for the restaurant for 31 years and is known for being a happy, positive person, no matter what life brings.

“Every time you see him, he has a smile on his face,” long-time customer Tanner Langley told Fox59 News. “He has never not been joyful.”

This remained true even when Peters’ 28-year-old Oldsmobile, the vehicle he used to perform his job, began to give out. When Langley heard about the car, he knew he had to do something for his upbeat neighbor, so he started a GoFundMe campaign.

“Robert has been the local Pizza Hut delivery guy for as long as I can remember, and he is by far the most cheerful person I have ever met,” Langley wrote on the GoFundMe page, where he requested donations toward a new vehicle for the driver. “I have never once heard a negative thing about Robert, and I know for certain that the great community of Tipton appreciates him just as much as I do.”

By the end of the week, the community had surpassed Langley’s goal of $12,000, topping out at more than $18,000.

“WE DID IT,” Langley shared on a Facebook post. “What an incredible community we have!”

Langley surprised Peters with a 2017 Chevy Malibu. The community’s donations also covered the vehicle’s insurance, registration and plates, as well as a tip of $2,500 cash.

Langley posted another update on his Facebook page featuring a photo of Peters beaming with joy next to his new car.

“To me, me this is luxury,” Peters told Fox59 News. “[Langley has] gone far beyond the call of duty and it means a lot to me that people would do this.”