Meet Noah Cooper, the 6-year-old American boy who warms the hearts of many through the help of his special friendship with the local waste collectors. Every Thursday, the little guy is waiting early in the morning for that big waste truck to come back and he flies the two waste collectors in the arms.
“It started six months ago,” says mama Tracey Cooper from West Virginia. “He saw the waste men and wanted to give them a hug. I stopped the staff and explained that Noah is autistic and really wants a hug. They jumped right out of their truck for a warm hug.”
Since then, Noah has been waiting every week to fly into Jacob and Mark’s arms. And although he usually walks back to mommy very quickly, shy and shy, every Thursday morning, he wants to go back – on garbage day-to the hug of the tough waste men.
Why is Noah so excited about the waste collectors? “He loves big trucks very much and loves to watch the pick-ups throw the bags after them,” explains Tracey. Once in a while, the two of them also get a present from their little boyfriend. Sometimes they get homemade cookies or drinks.
“We even set the alarm so we don’t miss the garbage men,” says Mama Tracey. “And if for some reason we don’t get out in time, they’ll be waiting for us. They don’t want to disappoint their little fan,” it sounds grateful. “They even gave him a chair so he can wait sitting down.” And Jacob and Mark gave Noah gifts: a toy truck and a hat from the waste company.
What does Noah want to be when he grows up? Garbage collector of course.
