BOISE, ID: Wish kid Leo is three years old and loves everything about garbage trucks and recycling. Each week, he sorts his family’s recycling, takes the trash to the curb and waits to watch the garbage trucks haul it away. Leo is currently battling cancer, and his one true wish is to be a garbageman for a day. His wish will be granted through Make-A-Wish Idaho with major support from Republic Services of Idaho.
On August 31, Leo will be reporting for duty for his wish at 7 a.m. at Republic Services, located at 11101 W. Executive Drive. His host for the day will be Republic Services driver Garry Packwood, a 25-year employee and a grandfather himself. Leo will ride in a garbage truck downtown where he will help collect trash in the alley near Sixth and Main. Friends and family will cheer him on as Leo makes his way to Boise City Hall. The mayor, the fire department and other city officials will be there to greet Leo as he services the building.
Leo will then head to the landfill and the recycling facility, where he will have the opportunity to operate the machinery and sort recyclables firsthand. His wish will end with a trip to IHOP, his favorite restaurant, to pick up an order of takeout waffles with whipped cream.
“Republic Services is honored to help fulfill Leo’s wish of being a garbageman for the day,” said Bob Bennett, Republic Services general manager. “Our drivers take great pride in serving the Boise community every day, and we are excited to help make Leo’s wish come true.”