People LOVE pizza. And for good reason. It's cheesy, doughy, and downright delicious. It's why it's been named one of the most popular foods in the world.
However, for the townsfolk of Tipton, Indiana, there's something they love almost as much as their pizza — the man who delivers it.
This is why, when a 28-year-old Oldsmobile on the verge of breaking down threatened to park their favorite pizza man, the town rallied and gave him a tip he'll never forget.
Pizza Hut Deliveryman Finds His Purpose Delivering Pizza
Robert Peters has been delivering pizzas in the small town of Tipton for a whopping 31 years and counting. He is one of Pizza Hut's longest-tenured delivery people. And he wouldn't have it any other way.
Robert knows his choice of career isn't for everyone. But it's definitely perfect for him.
"There were people in my family that were like, 'Maybe you should consider something a little more financially stable.' But it's my purpose in life — trying to make people happy," he told CBS News. "You know, when you're delivering to somebody, you may be the only face they see all day."
And it's a face people are more than happy to see. It's even garnered him the nickname, "Mr. Smiley."
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Over the years, Robert has built up a reputation for unwavering dedication and customer service, always going the extra mile to keep his customers happy.
28-year-old Tanner Langley knows this firsthand. His family has been getting deliveries from Robert since he was a child.
"He'll drive 3 or 4 miles down the road in a blizzard just to bring you 15 cents in change," Tanner said. "It's the moral of it. He didn't want you to feel like you had to tip him because he didn't have the change."
But thanks to a failing vehicle, Robert's driving days were numbered.
Town Rallies for Their Favorite Pizza Hut Deliveryman
When Robert started having trouble with his 28-year-old Oldsmobile, he mentioned it to Tanner. Tanner immediately jumped into action and started a GoFund Me campaign to keep Robert on the road.
When word spread that Robert was in danger of being parked for good, the pizza-loving people of Tipton rallied. After all, there's nothing like pizza (and a well-deserving cause) to bring people together.
After only one week, the community raised over $18,000; enough to buy Robert a new car.
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Not only could they afford to buy Robert a shiny new Chevy Malibu, but there was enough money left over to supply him with insurance, registration, and a hefty gas allowance as well, ensuring that he would be delivering pizzas for a long time to come.
Robert, in true form, was all smiles when he received the gift. “I just hope that all those who made this happen will be blessed as much as they have blessed me,” he told GMA. “This has really been an awesome experience that I’ll remember for the rest of my life."
As for Tanner? He was thrilled to have the opportunity to give something back to a man who had delivered so much joy to those around him just by being himself. He just hopes that his community continues to "pay it forward” to Robert every time he comes to their door, pizza in hand.
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