One Department of Public Works sanitation worker delighted residents all over town last week by showing his true colors: red and white.

In the runup to Christmas, Ben Demello dressed up as Santa Claus on his regular rounds, bringing the spirit of the holiday to an otherwise mundane event.

Along with driver Shaun Botelho, Demello helped make picking up trash and recycling a little bit magical for the kids and families who spotted him.

“My kids are still talking about it,” noted Sally Belanger of Sal’s Pals Daycare on Reed Road. “That was so sweet of Ben and Shaun to come by.”