THE WHOLE BLOCK CAME TOGETHER FOR OUR UPS DRIVER—AND HE DIDN’T SEE IT COMING

Marcellus, our UPS driver, has been a neighborhood staple for years, delivering with a smile, remembering names, and even gifting my son a football. When we learned his wife, Janine, passed away, the street rallied. We collected $2,300, baked pies, and made cards. Kids drew notes with crayon hearts. We surprised him at a delivery stop with signs and support. He was stunned, admitting he didn’t think anyone noticed him. We learned Janine’s

cancer had drained their finances, yet Marcellus kept his warmth. The money helped him keep his house. Our street changed—now we wave at delivery workers, leave drinks out, and check on Marcellus. Irene shares meals, Suki walks his dog, and my son learns about him weekly. We helped pack Janine’s belongings, finding her poetry journal, which he cherished. We just showed up, and that mattered. Marcellus still delivers, but now we truly see each other. Kindness counts—you never know someone’s burden.