Waste Connections brings smiles – and garbage trucks – to Mary Bridge Children’s cancer patient
Like many kids his age, three-year-old Easton loves garbage trucks
Easton has spent the last month inpatient at Mary Bridge Children’s fighting leukemia. Unable to wave to his favorite garbage truck driver, Manny Garibay, and see him drive down around the neighborhood, Easton has had several sad weeks in the hospital.
His family reached out to Waste Connections, the refuse collection company that services much of the South Sound, and together, planned a special day for Easton: a parade of garbage trucks at Mary Bridge Children’s.
“It’s not uncommon for our drivers to slow down or stop on their routes to say hi to kids who enjoy seeing our trucks go by,” said Rick Vahl, district manager at Waste Connections. “But this was the first time that we’ve brought our trucks to visit a kid at the hospital. Easton has gone through so much in his young life and we just wanted to do our part to bring a smile to his face and help brighten his day during this difficult time.”
On their day off, a team of Waste Connections employees paraded in their cars, holding up posters and waving to Easton before the four big garbage trucks drove down the street, including one driven by Manny himself. Giving Easton time to soak it all in, the Waste Connections drivers parked their trucks outside of the hospital, demonstrated how the equipment works, showered Easton with garbage truck-themed toys, and gave him posters with messages of support to hang in his room.
“Whether you know Easton or not, whether you drive a garbage truck or sit in the office, when we come together like this and demonstrate love, I think this is what brings us closer together,” Rick said to the Waste Connections team and Easton’s family.
Right now, you can show your support for Mary Bridge Children’s through Waste Connections’ Carts for Kids promotion. All proceeds from this campaign go directly back to Mary Bridge Children’s. For more information, including if your neighborhood is currently eligible, visit Carts for Kids.
A huge thank you to Rick Vahl, Manny Garibay and all the Waste Connections employees who came out with their families to show support and love for Easton and his family.