Usually on someone's birthday the person celebrating gets the gifts, but on June 25th, Sherry and Kristin O'Connor presented the kids and staff at the Belleville Aquatic Center with boxes of toys and pool equipment to celebrate Eric O'Connor's birthday.

"The staff and patrons of the Belleville Aquatic Center are grateful for the generous donation from the Forever 56 Foundation in memory of Eric O'Connor," said Emily DeNure, Director of the Aquatic Center and one of Eric's cousins. "We're excited to receive the first Eric's Birthday Gift in celebration of his 19th Heavenly Birthday on June 25."

Sherry said that the O'Connor family had heard that the Aquatic Center was looking for donations and decided that Eric's birthday was the perfect day to celebrate.

"Eric took swimming lessons for many years and he really enjoyed the water," recalled his mom.

Kristin added that the family wanted to do something special on her brother's birthday.

"This is fun, and we wanted to include the younger kids in the community," said Kristin, who also brought some cookies for the kids to enjoy after swim lessons.

"The donated pool toys and equipment will bring more energy and excitement to the facility because the toys and equipment will be used during all levels of swimming lessons, swim team, water aerobics and during open swim," added DeNure. "The children's excitement, smiles, and singing when using the donated toys and equipment fully embodies the life Eric lived and would want others to live."

On behalf of the Belleville Aquatic Center, the staff want to thank the Forever 56 Foundation for the donation that will continue to positively influence summertime for the families in the Belleville community.

"Everyone at the Belleville Aquatic Center appreciates the amazing toys and equipment that were donated by the O'Connor family," said Maya Severson, Supervisor and Swim Instructor. "We have used many during our swim lessons and the kids are extremely excited. The way the O'Connor family turned to generosity after grief and loss inspires our community and makes it a better place. It's a beautiful way to remember Eric."

Marian Viney

Sherry and Kristin O'Connor continued their acts of giving to celebrate Eric O'Connor's birthday by donating blood at the Blood Drive organized by Belleville High School senior Ogi York.

Sherry and Kristin weren't done giving at the pool. They continued their acts of giving to celebrate Eric's birthday by donating blood at the Blood Drive organized by Belleville High School senior Ogi York.

"This is the second summer blood drive that I've helped organize," said York. "There was a total of 49 units collected. The project was very fun, and it was a great opportunity to help. I am thankful for the students who volunteered to help."

Trap Shoot Reminder: From 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m., on Sunday, July 14, Forever 56 will host the second annual Trap Shoot at the Brooklyn Bowhunters Club on Amidon Road. For $25 you get to shoot, a t-shirt and lunch; $10 for extra rounds. Beverages are available for purchase.