**Headline:** A Simple Apology Blossoms into a Weekly Feast for Colorado Springs Sanitation Workers

**COLORADO SPRINGS, CO** – Every Friday in a Northeast Colorado Springs neighborhood, a simple act of kindness unfolds at the curb. For the past year, resident Ariahna Whiteside has made it her mission to greet her sanitation workers not just with a full trash can, but with a warm meal, a snack, or a refreshing drink, turning a routine pickup into a moment of heartfelt appreciation.

The weekly tradition began unexpectedly, born from a moment of guilt.

“The inspiration came from too much trash,” Whiteside explained. “We moved into this place and had a bunch of boxes, garbage bags, and too much to where it didn’t fit in the can. I felt bad one day, and I just went out there and put some energy drinks out on the trash can and introduced myself, and said, ‘Hey I’m sorry, it might be like this for a couple weeks while unpacking.’ And it has just turned into a weekly thing.”

What started as a one-time apology has since evolved into a cherished ritual. Whiteside, who loves to cook, now prepares a variety of treats for the crew. “Sometimes it’s more creative with a here’s an actual meal, or hey I’ve got a couple snacks in my pantry, or here’s a muffin I made last night,” she said.

For Whiteside, the gesture is a way to recognize the demanding and often thankless job performed by sanitation professionals. “I just wanted to keep it going because they are often overlooked and doing all this hard labor every day,” she shared. “I want to make sure they have someone who is taking care of them a little bit.”

This commitment to giving back persists even through personal challenges. “Even in hard times, you know we are a single family income and have been for a really long time,” Whiteside noted. “It doesn’t matter, I am still going to give what we have.”

The kindness has not gone unnoticed. Keoni Kaneshiro, a sanitation driver with Apex Waste Solutions, said the weekly gesture is a highlight of his route.

“I come by and they do that and I really appreciate it so much,” Kaneshiro said, recalling a particularly satisfying meal. “Great, I ate that sandwich and I got pretty full.”

Whiteside hopes her small, consistent act of gratitude creates a positive ripple effect that extends beyond her curb. She believes that when people are shown kindness, they are more likely to pass it on.

“Or they have a kindness act been brought on them,” she mused, “and then they act kind towards someone else in any regard throughout the day.”