The COVID-19 pandemic affected everyone, in one way or another. And as we hope those tough times are behind us, we can never forget how devastating the past couple of years have been for most of us. Many businesses were forced to shut down, and as a result, many people lost their jobs and even ended on the streets.

And as we all praised doctors and medical workers for their job well done against the virus, the residents of a Virginia neighborhood remembered to show their gratitude to a person holding another vital profession during the pandemic, the UPS driver who always made sure to deliver their goods on time while they stayed home and kept themselves protected.

The USPS, FedEx, and UPS workers helped keep America’s economy alive, although not many spoke about their hard work and sacrifice during the tough times for the humanity.

Anthony Gaskin, a UPS driver, was on his regular route when he noticed an unusual sight. A number of cars were lined up and down the road. He had no idea what could be going on until he saw two children holding posters with the message, “Hallsley loves you, Anthony.” The rest of the people waved and cheered and that’s when Anthony learned that they had done all this just for him.

These people felt that Anthony deserved to be recognized for everything he had done for them during the pandemic.

“Even though his truck does not have sirens and his uniform does not offer added fire protection, Anthony Gaskins is considered a hero in the Hallsley neighborhood,” Patty Friedman later wrote in an email to WTVR. “Through COVID, Anthony has continued working, delivering packages at our doors, record numbers of them, over 180 times to date.

“I wanted to thank him personally for how much he helped me feel welcome when I moved in during a pandemic,” she added. “It was terribly lonely, and he was always the highlight of my day.”

Needles to say, Anthony was brought down to tears and was glad for the gratitude he was offered.

“Arriving on bikes, on foot, and in more than 75 cars, hundreds of Hallsley residents lined the road and waited for Anthony to turn the corner,” Patty told WTVR. “A humble man, he needed to be coaxed, but eventually, slowly drove his truck down the road while children and adults held up signs, screamed his name, honked their horns, and rang bells. Gaskins’ supervisors even showed up to present him with a gift.”

We believe that this has been a well-deserved gesture for everything Anthony and his colleagues are doing for their communities.