Sanitation worker surprises 3-year-old boy on his route with toy recycling truck

An Oklahoma sanitation worker surprised one of his biggest fans last week as the young boy eagerly awaited his hero's weekly arrival.

Every Thursday morning, around 7 a.m. in Jenks, Okla., 3-year-old Myles Henrichs waits to see his friend, Aaron Mitchell. Unlike any other friend Myles might interact with, say in preschool or on a playdate, Mitchell is an employee of American Waste Control and a professional sanitation worker.

In the months that the two have known each other, their friendship has evolved from Mitchell waving to the young boy from his garbage truck to hugs and conversation, KJRH reports. According to the City of Jenks Municipality's Facebook page, Myles would be there every Thursday morning to greet Mitchell regardless of the weather.

The warm welcome didn't go unnoticed by Mitchell.

Last Thursday, according to the city’s Facebook page, "Mr. Mitchell delivered a brand-new toy recycle truck to our young Jenks resident. It was given to him in a Mickey Mouse gift bag with tissue paper and a smile."

The post added that the gesture was “done by Mr. Mitchell’s own generosity.”

"This past Thursday, they surprised Myles and brought him a huge garbage truck, which he absolutely loved. It was kind of above and beyond any expectations that I’ve ever had," Amanda Henrichs, Myles's mother, told KJRH.

According to comments shared on the City of Jenks's Facebook page, this act of kindness isn't unusual for Mitchell.

"We love Mr. Mitchell!! He always takes a minute to wave and talk with my 2-year-old, Annie. He and his team are the best," one parent commented.

"I see Mr. Mitchell in our neighborhood regularly walk up a driveway to a trash can and roll it out for them," another added, noting that Mitchell will go out of his way to help the community even if they do not have time, or the ability, to take their trash cans to the curb themselves. "His kindness is very evident."

"What a wonderful man Mr Mitchell is. We are lucky to have him in our community," one person wrote.

"Mr. Mitchell is a hero in our house! We rarely miss a Friday! Love this story!" another mother shared.

Amanda Henrichs and American Waste Control did not immediately respond to Yahoo Lifestyle’s requests for comment.

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