Gratitude shown to South Lake Tahoe snowplow drivers and Clean Tahoe team

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - After reading a story in South Tahoe Now about kindness and some of the challenges experienced by South Lake Tahoe snow plow operators this season, Beth McClain decided to show appreciation to those drivers, along with those from the Clean Tahoe crew.

McClain, who lives in the Al Tahoe neighborhood, has been thanking the drivers all winter with cookies and pies, but she decided to throw an appreciation party Friday for them with help from local businesses.

There were a lot of smiles at the City's Public Works Yard as McClain presented all 24 of the drivers with a box full of candy, gift certificates, footballs, hats, canned beverages, treats, and more. Base Camp Pizza donated pizzas for the event, Grocery Outlet added donuts and cookies, and Whole Foods had sodas.

"It's nice to know people appreciate what you do," said driver Joe Meno. He started in South Lake Tahoe a year ago after being a plow driver in Yosemite for years.

"This means a lot to them," said Anush Nejad, the City public works director of the team. "These guys are all champions!"

McClain went to 27 different businesses to get all of the items for the crews, having them all on display for the staff to pick up as they enjoyed the pizza. There was even food and treats for their four-legged friends.

Thanks to the following businesses and individuals who contributed to the gift boxes: CVS at the Y, RCP Construction, Rick and Lynn De Monet, Langenfeld Ace Hardware, EAB Property Management, JoAnne Fabrics and Crafts in Carson City, Whole Foods, Home Depot, Jayne Lee, Grass Roots, Pet Supermarket, Overland Meat Company, Lowe's, Smart & Final, R.C. Willey's Reno, Bijou Safeway, Welcome Home, Steven Ryan, Holiday Market, Base Camp Pizza, Trader Joe's, Kaylee Klum, Dog Dog Cat, Pet Station, La Mexicana Tahoe Market, Chocolate Shoppe, and James Larkins.