A Northeast Colorado Springs resident has established a weekly tradition of providing meals to sanitation workers, a gesture that has since inspired others in her neighborhood to show their appreciation.

For the past year, Ariahna Whiteside has prepared food every Friday for the Apex Waste Solutions crew that services her route. The practice began as a way to thank the workers for handling an excess amount of trash at her home.

The effort has been well-received by the sanitation team. Keoni Kaneshiro, a driver, has expressed his appreciation for the consistent kindness. Following Whiteside’s lead, some of her neighbors have also started leaving out treats for the collection crew.

Whiteside has indicated that her goal is to ensure the workers feel valued and to teach her children the importance of gratitude. She stated that she enjoys cooking for others and believes in giving back to the community, regardless of her own financial circumstances. Her community support also includes providing food for individuals experiencing homelessness.