How to Celebrate National Garbage Man Day

Did you know that Garbage Man Day is celebrated annually on June 17th in recognition of the hard work and service provided by garbage collectors and sanitation workers? These individuals play an essential role in keeping our cities and communities clean, safe, and healthy. Whether you have a loved one who is a sanitation worker or you just want to show appreciation for your garbage men, you can show your love for them with a meaningful gift. 

GiftYa has you covered for fast and easy gifts. With its wide selection of digital gift cards, GiftYa will surely have one your recipient will love. Sending a GiftYa card is easy. Simply choose a merchant, add a personal note, and text it to them. If you want to add an extra spark to your gift card, you can also add a photo, pre-designed wrapper design, or video! Upon receiving the card, they can instantly upload it to their existing Visa or Mastercard. It’s that easy!

1. Text a Digital Gift Card

Digital gift cards are great for their versatility and simplicity

Digital GiftYa cards are fun and versatile gifts that allow recipients to get exactly what they want. And sending them is easier than ever. All you have to do is head over to the GiftYa website, where you’ll find cards for thousands of merchants across the country. Some of the biggest brands on GiftYa’s site include:

• Amazon
• OfficeMax
• GameStop
• Panera
• Ulta
• Sheetz
• Lowe’s
• Dunkin’ Donuts
• Target

Want to support some local shops? Just enter your city or zip code into the website’s search bar to see which nearby retailers accept GiftYa digital gift cards. 

GiftYa cards are also easy to customize. You can add anywhere from $5 to $100 to the card. Gift cards have a reputation for being “impersonal,” but with GiftYa you can add an extra special touch to show the recipient you really put some thought into it. Simply add a personalized wrapper, photo, or video message that will play when the recipient opens the card. Don’t forget to add a note too!

From there, you can either send the card immediately or schedule a delivery date. Upon receiving the card, the recipient just needs to activate it on their personal Visa or MasterCard. The card will be available to use immediately! 

2. Make a Charitable Donation

Give back to the community in their honor

Garbage men and sanitation workers help provide a safer and cleaner community for all of us. What better way to honor their work than by making a charitable donation in their name? There are hundreds of great organizations you can donate to, including:

• Feeding America: This nonprofit organization helps provide food to millions of Americans every year by working with farmers, manufacturers, and retailers to bring food to their tables. Feeding America also works to address the root causes of hunger. 
• American Red Cross: The Red Cross provides vital services such as disaster relief, blood donations, and health and safety training to organizations around the country. Your donation can help provide aid and support to those in need during times of crisis. 
• Doctors Without Borders: This organization provides medical care and humanitarian aid to people affected by conflicts, natural disasters, and other crises around the world. Donations play a vital role in supporting their life-saving work. 
• The Trevor Project: The Trevor Project provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth. Your donation can help provide support and resources to vulnerable young people around the country.
• World Wildlife Fund: This organization works to protect endangered species and their habitats, and to promote sustainability and conservation efforts around the world. Your donation can help support their important work to protect our planet's wildlife.
• The Salvation Army: The Salvation Army provides a range of services to communities in need, including food assistance, emergency shelter, and addiction recovery programs. Your donation can help provide essential support and resources to those who need it most.

These are just a few organizations that you can donate to. When researching organizations, make sure to vet them first to ensure that your contribution will be used effectively and responsibly. 

3. Create Artwork or Signs Spreading Awareness

Posting artwork and signs outside on National Garbage Man Day can be a fun reminder that you’re thinking of them

You don’t have to be the next Van Gogh to create a fun poster that shows your support for your garbage men. All you have to do is grab some poster board and markers and let your imagination run free! 

Here are some tips to keep in mind when making your posters:

• Use bright colors and large, bold fonts to make your posters stand out
• Add a short but sweet message of thanks like “Thank you for keeping our community clean!”
• Add some images like garbage trucks or sanitation workers in action to keep the poster fun and visually appealing
• Remember to keep your poster simple and avoid cluttering it with too many words and images

Once you're finished making the posters, you can hang them up around the community, such as at your local library or community center. 

4. Send a Gift Basket

Surprise them with an assortment of goodies on their big day!

Need some gift ideas? We’ve got you covered:

• Snacks and drinks: Garbage collectors work long hours, so snacks and drinks are always a welcome treat. Consider adding energy bars, nuts, trail mix, chips, cookies, or candy to your gift basket. You can also include bottles of water, sports drinks, or energy drinks. The more the merrier!
• Hand sanitizer and wipes: Garbage collectors handle a lot of trash, so it's important to keep their hands clean and sanitized. Add travel-sized hand sanitizer and wipes to your gift basket to help keep them germ-free.
• Sunscreen and lip balm: Garbage collectors spend a lot of time outdoors, so it's important for them to protect their skin from the sun. Add travel-sized sunscreen and lip balm to your gift basket to help them stay safe and protected.

• Gloves and work socks: Garbage collectors need to wear gloves and sturdy socks to protect their hands and feet while they work. Add a pair of work gloves and a pack of high-quality work socks to your gift basket to help keep them comfortable while working on the job.
• Gift cards: Gift cards make great additions to any gift basket! You can add physical gift cards to their favorite store or restaurants or text them a virtual GiftYa card along with their basket. 
• Handwritten note: Finally, don't forget to add a handwritten note expressing your appreciation for their hard work and dedication. This personal touch will go a long way in showing your gratitude and support.

Once you finish assembling your gift basket, you can hand it off to them the next time they stop by! 

5. Create a Personalized Mug

A personalized mug is a fun complement to their morning coffee

This simple yet thoughtful gesture can make a big difference in their day. Starting off their shift with a personalized mug filled with their favorite coffee or tea can give them a boost of energy and help them feel appreciated.

Personalized mugs are not only practical gifts but also thoughtful ones. By personalizing a mug with the recipient's name, favorite quote, or image, it becomes a unique and special gift that the recipient can use and enjoy on a daily basis. It also shows that you put a lot of thought and care into the gift, which can make a big impact on the recipient.

There are numerous ways to personalize a mug. You can add a funny or inspiring quote, a photo of their family or pet, or even their favorite sports team logo. The options are endless, and the personalization can make the gift truly one-of-a-kind.

6. Give Them Safety Gear

Help them stay safe with some new safety gear

Garbage men have a physically demanding job that involves working in various weather conditions and handling potentially hazardous materials. Consider gifting them some safety gear, such as:

• Work Gloves: Garbage men handle a wide variety of materials, including sharp or dangerous objects. A sturdy pair of work gloves can protect their hands from cuts, punctures, and other injuries.
• Safety Glasses: Garbage men can be exposed to flying debris or dangerous chemicals, especially when working around recycling facilities or hazardous waste sites. Safety glasses can protect their eyes from injury.
• Respirator Masks: Garbage men can be exposed to dust, mold, or hazardous fumes when handling waste materials. Respirator masks can help filter out harmful particles and improve air quality.
• Sunscreen and Insect Repellent: Garbage men often work outside in the sun and may be exposed to insects. Sunscreen and insect repellent can help protect their skin from sunburn and insect bites.

7. Throw a Party

Organize a party with your friends and neighbors to show your appreciation

There are many ways to celebrate Garbage Man Day, from a simple backyard party with fun treats to renting out a space for a larger gathering. By putting in the effort to plan a celebration, you can show the garbage workers that their contributions to our communities are valued and appreciated.

Hosting a party is also a great opportunity to bring together friends, family, and community members to show support for the garbage workers. You can plan activities like games or competitions, serve food and drinks, and even have a special presentation or award ceremony to recognize their hard work.

8. Surprise Them with a Baked Good or Pastry

Start their morning off on the right foot with some baked goods

There’s no faster way to a person’s heart than a home-made pastry. For National Garbage Man day, you can surprise the workers with some delicious pastries like cookies or brownies. 

Homemade pastries are a thoughtful gesture that can show garbage workers that their work is valued and appreciated. Whether you're an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, there are many delicious and simple pastry recipes that you can try.

When preparing pastries for garbage workers, it's important to consider any dietary restrictions they may have. You can also involve them in the process by asking for their input or preferences to ensure that the treats are enjoyed by everyone.

9. Volunteer with a Clean-Up Group

Help clean up your community by organizing a clean-up group

Joining a clean-up group is an excellent way to give back to your community and work alongside others who share a passion for a clean environment. These groups are often organized by local community organizations or government entities and can range from small volunteer groups to larger city-wide initiatives.

Participating in a clean-up group is not only beneficial for the environment, but it can also be a fun and rewarding experience. You will have the opportunity to meet new people, learn about the issues facing your community, and make a positive impact.

10. Write a Thank You Note

A simple thank you note can go a long way

Expressing gratitude through a thank you note is a thoughtful and meaningful way to show appreciation for the hard work and dedication of garbage workers on National Garbage Man Day. By taking the time to write a heartfelt note, you can make a positive impact on someone's day and let them know how much you value their work.

To make your thank you note even more special, consider using special stationery or a card that reflects the spirit of National Garbage Man Day. You can also personalize the note with the recipient's name and include a message that shows your appreciation for their hard work and dedication.

When writing the note, it's important to be specific and sincere. You can mention a specific action or moment that impressed you, or simply express gratitude for their ongoing service to the community. Let them know how important their work is and how much you appreciate their efforts to keep our communities clean and safe.

Sanitation workers play a vital role in our community. National Garbage Man day is a wonderful opportunity to show your appreciation for them. How do you plan to celebrate this special holiday? Let us know!