Three-year-old Leo likes to have early morning picnics on his lawn while he waits for the garbageman, Curtis, (Yes, they are on a first-name basis) to come to his house and haul the garbage away.
Leo is fascinated by garbage trucks and recycling. At three, he already knows which items can be recycled and which items can’t. He loves everything about waste disposal.
When Leo was two years old, he began having dizzy spells. Leo was diagnosed with cancer, but his MRIs currently look good. The next year will be crucial for Leo’s recovery. During these uncertain times, Leo received a wish. He knew exactly what he wanted—To be a garbageman.Â
Make-A-Wish® Idaho reached out to Republic Services, one of the largest waste disposal and recycling companies in the United States and asked if they could make this boy’s wish come true. Republic Services was excited to help. They asked Garry Packwood, a grandfather known for being good with children and a driver of 25 years, to be Leo’s mentor.
On his big day, Leo and Garry drove to Boise City Hall and took out the trash for the mayor and many local businesses. They went to the landfill. This was Leo's favorite place because he was allowed to dump out the trucks! Leo then went to Garden City where he was escorted by the police to the neighborhood where he would load up the recycling truck. All the grateful citizens came out and cheered for Leo as he picked up their bottles and cans. Afterward, he headed to Western Recycling. Leo dumped out the truck and took a tour. There was more fun lined up for the day, but little Leo was too tired to do much more.Â
A crowd cheered for the Littlest Garbageman in Idaho as his garbage truck pulled into the IHOP parking lot, his last stop. The cooks made takeout waffles for Leo to eat after his fist big day on the job.Â
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