SJC Highlights Special Bond Between Recycling Driver and Three-Year-Old Resident
Video showcases the heartwarming friendship between local family and FCC Environmental Services recycling driver
Key Points
- St. Johns County’s newest video highlights the special bond between three-year-old resident Colton Simonian and FCC Environmental Services recycling driver Ben Smith, demonstrating the lasting impact of kindness and exceptional customer service.
- Ben’s weekly interactions with Colton have become the highlight of the young resident’s week, inspiring the Simonian family to recognize his compassion and dedication through a heartfelt letter.
- Waste and recycling professionals provide essential collection services to approximately 1.5 million residential homes each month, helping keep St. Johns County clean while making a positive difference in the communities they serve.
St. Johns County is sharing a heartwarming story that demonstrates how small acts of kindness can make a lasting impact on the community. The Office of Public Affairs produced a video highlighting the special connection between FCC Environmental Services recycling driver Ben Smith and three-year-old resident Colton Simonian.
For three-year-old Colton Simonian, Mondays are more than just the start of a new week. They are an opportunity to see FCC Environmental Services recycling driver Ben Smith.
Each week, Colton eagerly waits for the familiar sound of the recycling truck approaching his neighborhood. As Ben completes his route, he takes a few moments to stop, wave, and chat with the young resident, creating a tradition that has become the highlight of Colton’s week.
“Every morning it is the first thing that he says when he wakes up,” said Colton’s mother, Nicole Simonian. “Can I roll the blue bin out and see Mr. Ben? He patiently waits to hear the truck coming down the road, and we run outside every Monday.”
What began as a simple interaction has grown into a meaningful connection. According to Colton’s parents, Ben’s kindness and patience have made such an impression that one of Colton’s first phrases was “Hi Ben!” Colton has a collection of toy recycling and garbage trucks throughout the house and even dressed as a recycling truck for Halloween.
The Simonian family recently submitted a letter recognizing Ben’s exceptional service and the positive impact he has had on their son.
“Ben’s kindness, patience, and genuine care for our son exemplify the very best in customer service,” the family wrote. “His small acts of kindness have created a lasting, positive memory for our family that we will cherish for years to come.”
For Ben, those few minutes each week are simply an opportunity to brighten someone’s day.
“It’s all about putting a smile on their face,” Smith said. “It’s about making somebody else’s day joyful. It gives me a little joy as well that I get to carry with me the rest of the day.”
Ashley Mickler, Customer Service Manager for the St. Johns County Public Works Department’s Solid Waste Division, said the story reflects the positive impact waste and recycling professionals have on the residents they serve.
“The letter we received from the Simonian family was about much more than waste and recycling collection,” Mickler said. “It highlighted how a simple act of kindness can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life. Ben’s willingness to take a few moments each week to connect with Colton exemplifies the outstanding customer service and community spirit we strive to provide every day. We are incredibly proud of Ben and grateful for the dedication shown by all of our waste and recycling professionals.”
Waste and recycling collection professionals provide essential services to residents throughout St. Johns County, collecting garbage, recycling, and yard waste from approximately 1.5 million residential homes monthly. Their work helps keep neighborhoods clean, safe, and environmentally responsible while supporting the quality-of-life residents enjoy throughout the county.
Stay informed of more St. Johns County news by subscribing to our e-newsletters and learn how we’re shaping our community’s future by advancing the SJC Strategic Plan through the Office of Public Affairs.
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