When most people are barely moving in their beds at 5 a.m., Selma-native Alvin Shaw has already prepared his mail route for the day. Sorting mail and going in-and-out of a postal vehicle for eight hours or more each day may be a mundane task to some, but for Shaw, it’s a chance to touch lives.

“I love putting on my uniform,” Alvin said. “I love shining my shoes and starching my uniform. I love rendering hope to people who have none. The job gives me the ability to give people hope.”

Alvin has been a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service for 14 years. As a disabled veteran of the U.S. Army, Alvin still finds a way to deliver every single parcel of mail and package without complaining.

“Whether walking routes through the heat or rain or jumping in and out of the postal vehicle, every day is a challenge,” said the father of three. “Public service is a way to connect — I love it.”

A deacon for Ebenezer Baptist Church in Selma, Alvin and his wife Mary pride themselves in keeping their three children — Kayla, Harriett and Alvin Jr. — active in church.

“That’s the most important thing to me,” Alvin said. “Even beyond their honor roll achievements, only what you do for God and Christ is what matters. When you service Christ, then you’ll service people well.”

Alvin’s children said he is a devoted father who always encourages.

“He’s a God-fearing man,” said Alvin’s oldest daughter Kayla. “He teaches us about God and the Bible, encourages us to make good grades and to be respectful to our elders.

“He takes us to baseball and softball games and to fields to practice and improve our skills while giving us pep talks,” Kayla said. “It makes me feel good to know he’s there for us and he cares. He’s a wonderful dad — I couldn’t ask for better.”

Alvin, who came from humble beginnings, said he strongly believes fatherhood is all about teaching and caring. When he delivers mail during the school year, he and his family make sure to engage in corporate prayer before their day begins.

“My parents gave their last to buy me and my siblings a saxophone and piano,” Alvin said. “They always made sure we were in church and had discipline. I have a responsibility to raise my children right and to teach them not to be like everyone else. I want to make sure they’re obedient and that they cleave to good stuff.”

From the humble man who is forever grateful and takes nothing for granted comes the following advice for remaining blessed in life.

“Always use your words to build up and not tear down,” Alvin said. “Positive words mean a lot to others who are at their lowest.”

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