North American manufacturer of waste handling equipment, Wastequip, demonstrated its support for garbage workers in honor of National Garbage Man Day with a celebration and youth education event at a Boys & Girls Club near the company’s headquarters in Charlotte, N.C. The celebration provided an opportunity for the City of Charlotte, Waste Pro and drivers from Republic Services to bring their trucks and share their stories and for the children to learn about recycling, waste industry careers and safety skills.

“We are proud to recognize garbage workers for being humble heroes in honor of National Garbage Man Day and to offer educational opportunities for Boys & Girls Club members by teaching them about careers in the waste industry,” said Marty Bryant, CEO of Wastequip, in a statement.

Wastequip staff volunteered with Boys & Girls Club members by reading to them, helping them write thank you notes to the garbage men, doing a recycled birdfeeder craft together and presenting a Q&A about waste industry careers. There were 75 members who were split into three groups, with ages ranging from kindergarten to high school. Each group also rotated outside to visit the trucks, meet the garbage men and learn safety skills from the City of Charlotte.

“We are always eager to add new experiences for our club members during the summer,” said Marty Clary, executive director of the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Charlotte, in a statement. “We are so thankful to Wastequip for putting this together. It will be a tremendous opportunity for our kids to learn about all of the careers available in the industry and have fun at the same time.”

Through philanthropic efforts, Wastequip promotes a culture of goodwill by supporting charitable organizations and causes like the Boys & Girls Club through giving and volunteering.