Pint-size sanitation truck enthusiast Kieran Lowe, of East Islip, gets 4th birthday surprise

Every Monday morning, no matter the weather or circumstance, sanitation workers Wilver Nolasco and Jose Pineda can count on little Kieran Lowe to brighten their morning.

By the time the sanitation truck pulls up to his home on Bayview Avenue in East Islip, Kieran is often already waiting on his porch or curb with his parents, ready to wave to Nolasco and Pineda.

But this Monday, the joy was returned.

In celebration of his fourth birthday, Nolasco, Pineda and representatives of the Town of Islip and its sanitation contractor surprised Kieran with gifts, treats and special messages.

"He is going to talk about this forever," Danielle Lowe, Kieran’s mother, told Newsday.

As the family waited outside their house, the sanitation truck rolled in to the tune of "Happy Birthday" playing while town employees walked over to Kieran with bags full of gifts.

"I’m happy," Nolasco said of Kieran’s surprise.

Danielle and Brendan Lowe, Kieran’s dad, told Newsday their son has had a fascination with garbage trucks from around the time he could walk.

The family previously lived in Connecticut, where Kieran, who turned 4 on Sunday, would enthusiastically wave to sanitation workers each week.

"In rain, sleet, snow we were out there," Brendan Lowe said of Kieran’s passion for watching garbage trucks in Connecticut. "So then once we came back here, we just continued."

Nolasco and Pineda, who stand on the riding step on the back of the truck between stops, quickly noticed Kieran’s greetings. Every Monday when they see the boy, the duo return the wave and point to him.

The Lowes said the interactions have influenced Kieran so much that he loves to "play garbage trucks" where he waves and points to others.

When they go to the supermarket, Danielle Lowe said Kieran will ride behind the cart as if he is a sanitation worker and puts food items into it as if he is collecting garbage. He even plans to dress as a sanitation worker for Halloween.

Danielle Lowe said she reached out to the Town of Islip Department of Environmental Control through Instagram in August asking if the truck could surprise Kieran for his birthday.

"I was like, I know this is a long shot ... but my son really loves garbage trucks, and we would absolutely love if the garbage truck can visit," she said.

Within 10 minutes, the town responded with: "We are going to make this happen."

Stephanie Gallone, owner of sanitation contractor Jody Enterprises, which partners with the town, said she was immediately on board with the plans when told of the request.

Gallone, a mother and former teacher, said it is important to show children the importance of community, and to express appreciation for sanitation workers.

"It gives me a lot of pride that our workers are taking the time to stop and wave," she said. "These guys work so hard, [in] the rain, the snow, extreme cold, extreme heat. ... I commend them every single day."

On Monday morning, Gallone gifted Kieran a toy replica sanitation truck with Town of Islip and Jody Enterprises on it, as well as T-shirts and hats.

Although Kieran appeared overwhelmed at first, he excitedly put on his new clothes. And when the truck later pulled away, he made sure to wave goodbye to Nolasco and Pineda.

"They don't see it as just the job," Danielle Lowe said. "They really see it as they're helping the community and making an impact, and it's just so sweet to see his enthusiasm."