City of Birmingham Department of Public Works employees give back for the holidays
Three City of Birmingham Department of Public Works employees recently made the holiday season a little brighter for 2-year-old Brooks Walker of the Apple Valley community when they gave him a toy recycling truck similar to the one he watches the men ride when they visit his neighborhood.
“Ever since I’ve been driving this route, he has been coming out to watch us. When I back up, he stands on the back porch and waves. We wave back, and I toot my horn,’’ said Johnny Oliver. “With the holidays coming up, we decided we’d get something for him to make him happy. We got him a truck that resembles the regular green truck we drive.’’
Oliver and crew members Jermaine Hinton and Jariell Jones bought the truck for Brooks from WalMart. When they presented it to him, Brooks’ mother posted a photo of the men with Brooks on Facebook. The family thanked the men for their kindness and the great work they do. The post went viral and captured the attention of many, including Mayor Randall Woodfin.
“What these men have done and continue to do is representative of our city’s theme: ‘Putting People First.’ I applaud their efforts, their commitment to their work and their willingness to make someone’s day,’’ Mayor Woodfin said. “At the City of Birmingham, that’s what we strive for.’’
On Dec. 20, the men met Brooks’ mother and grandmother in the family’s living room, where hugs and more compliments were showered on the crew.
“I want to thank y’all myself,’’ said Brooks’ mother, Lynne Walker. “Y’all are the ones who love my son every single day. And y’all make him such a part of your family. Thank you again for everything.’’
Said crew member Jermaine Hinton: “We never expected any of this. We did it because we wanted to thank him. I feel good about it.’’
CBS 42 reporter Britt Moorer learned about Walker’s Facebook post and interviewed the crew and Brooks’ family on Dec. 20. A story on the men and the family will air Dec. 21 between 5 and 7 a.m.
