It was several years ago at this time of year. We were addressing holiday cards to the service people who make our lives easier all year: the sanitation workers. Our township hires four: a driver and a collector of regular garbage, and a driver and a collector of recyclables. Four cash gifts were added to each card and each person’s name was added to each card. Their name was put on the envelope before I punched a hole in the top of each of the four cards, added brightly colored ribbons through the hole on top and tied each card to the handle of the garbage pail. It made a colorful and cheerful sight, ribbons waving in the wind greeting the workmen.
Screeching sounds of gears shifting as the garbage truck lumbered up the hill and grinding noises of the brakes stopping at each house told us that the garbage truck was approaching.
From the living room window we watched the truck stop in front of our house and the men hoisting the heavy pails up and tossing its contents into the garbage truck. There was no sign of their reaching for anything tied to the handles. No envelopes were swinging from the handles. Some objects were flapping as the pails were lifted and replaced on the curb. What were they?
Where were the envelopes? What happened to our gifts?
We raced down the driveway to the curb to inspect the pails.
That’s when we saw the hideous sight of ribbons that had been cut right above where the envelopes were attached to the pails. What we had seen flapping were the stumps of the ribbons. A Grinch of our town had made it’s way along the street and cut off all the envelopes containing Christmas gifts for the workers.
Peace on earth? Good will to men? Bah Humbug!
MorristownMemos 
Comments on: "A HOLIDAY SURPRISE" (14)
How very nice of you to not only be so thoughtful and generous, but to package your gifts so creatively. How sad that someone could stoop so low especially as they must have realized the gifts were intended for those who serve the community doing not the most pleasant of jobs.
Gaye
The persons who did this should be ashamed of themselves.. We got up early the other morning to chase after the Sunday Paper boy that delivers my hubbies weekly fix lol.. His face was a picture of delight 🙂
Wishing you a joyful Happy Healthy New Year Ronnie xxx
Thanks, Sue, and I wish you good health and lots of inspiration!
Happy 2016 Ronnie.. Love and Hugs xx
My comments on this wouldn’t be printable, Ronnie. What was done wasn’t just terrible. It was criminal !!! Sad commentary on today’s society.
Paul, I couldn’t agree with you more. Imagine how many criminal acts go unpunished…
Oh Noooo! So much for good will toward men……
It DOES make you feel rather cynical, doesn’t it? But I always try to remember that people who do things like this are far in the minority: that’s why stories like this one are so shocking.
So sad. I guess hand delivery is the best!
The gentleman from the Department of Sanitation suggested that I address each gift and bring the cards to the township offices. They will distribute them for us.
Oh how awful
This experience was truly traumatic; I just couldn’t believe that anyone would sink so low as to steal other people’s gifts by cutting them off the pail!
My Heart just Sank. Your intentions were sincere and creatively packaged
May the tires of the tag grinches all be FLAT on a most important occasion
My heart sank too; it was beyond the good spirit or good wishes we expect. With all the messages of love and peace we hear, this action went totally against the grain. As someone said to me, “I hope they needed it more!”