Margie is only four, but she’s formed a connection most wouldn’t expect with her local waste and recycling crew from Coastal Environmental Services.
She’s loved garbage trucks for as long as her family can remember. Even as a toddler, she’d rush to the window at the sound of the engine, watching until the truck turned the corner.
One day, when she wasn’t feeling well, she still asked to go outside to see them pass. They waved and honked, making her face light up. The mother thanked the company on Facebook, wanting to share how much that moment meant to her.
Not long after, they invited the family to visit. Margie, her sister, and her mom got a full tour of their base. She met her hero, Mr. Bird, her favorite driver. They gave her her little vest, a hat, and a shirt with their logo. She treasures those and keeps them beside her toy trucks at home.
That was the day the little girl knew she loved the wheels. Every week, Wednesdays and Thursdays were the days she waited for.
Not just that, if the school was out, the crew waited outside. Not just them, but they also carried along wide, brought smiles, snacks, and even drinks, and did not let the weather bother them at all! If the family weren’t there for a few days, they would still get a cute little note with a cooler to beat the heat.
The workers were not just a very dear part of Margie’s life now; the whole family, even the relatives, knew what they meant to her.
Whenever the Garbage men came to fulfill their duties, they did not forget to slow down and honk in front of her house. This made her feel special as she knew they remembered her and loved her back, too!
This year was extremely special for Margie when it was time for her birthday. Although the entire world was fearful as COVID-19 took over, for Margie, her 5th birthday will always remain special!
No specific theme was chosen, and the family did get to celebrate it, but the crew knew exactly what they had to do to make her day special.
A parade was organized just for her!
When she walked out of the house and saw the crew, she jumped out of excitement. She did not know there were other things waiting for her, too.
Four big trucks marched in alongside a few white ones that also belonged to the crew. ‘The garbage men!’ she screamed with sparkling eyes and a wide smile. Mr. Bird, the manager, stepped out, hugged her, and sang her the birthday song.
They even gifted her a cute little poster.
While all this was happening, the mom stood there speechless. She knew how happy it would make her daughter.
Although people do not value workers who work so hard, for this little girl, they were not just ordinary workers but family. They made her feel loved and taught her how a stranger, too, can become family.
Kindness always wins!
