By Janelle Davis   In the depths of the 2020 pandemic winter, when students at Reynolds Elementary School in Baldwinsville were feeling the strain of social distancing, an unexpected gift arrived that would transform their daily routine: a collection of sleds and winter gear that would turn their school’s hill into a source of endless joy. Behind this gift was Michelle Green, a local mother whose generosity was born from profound loss. In 2013, Green lost her 18-year-old son Eric to suicide. Since then, she has channeled her grief into creating positive experiences for children in her community, with a particular focus on emotional wellness and mental health. “During the pandemic, I knew children had become stressed by social distancing needs,” Green said. “I tried to think of something that would be fun for them that could also alleviate stress. I remembered how much I enjoyed sledding during winter months.” What began as a $1,000 donation to each elementary school in the Baldwinsville Central School District for sleds and winter gear has blossomed into an ongoing relationship with Reynolds Elementary. The school’s sledding hill now bears a plaque reading “In Memory of Eric Green Who Loved To Sled With His Mom” – a tribute that surprised Green during a visit to watch students enjoy their winter activities. Nicole Chavanne, the Reynolds PTA teacher liaison, has witnessed the impact firsthand. “When a class makes their way to the exit for recess and sees the sleds, they cheer,” Chavanne told Green. The initiative has grown beyond winter activities, with Green regularly supporting the PTA’s efforts to provide outdoor play equipment and funding various classroom projects through DonorsChoose.org, always signing her donations as “Eric’s Mom.” Green’s commitment to the school community continues to grow. She has plans to donate an inherited IRA to the Reynolds Elementary School PTA in 2028, ensuring her impact will extend far into the future. “I just want students and teachers to have positive learning and teaching experiences,” she said,  noting that these donations often provide items not included in traditional school budgets. For Green, this philanthropic work has become a path toward healing while creating lasting change in her community. Drawing inspiration from musician Louis Tomlinson, she emphasizes the importance of perseverance and finding joy even in difficult times. “I know I will miss Eric every single day for the rest of my life,” Green said. “Finding ways to give back to my community is a much better way for me to live.” Through one mother’s dedication to honoring her son’s memory, countless children now experience the simple joy of sledding during their school day – creating the kind of wonderful memories that Green hopes will contribute to their emotional wellness and mental health for years to come.