The Schuylerville Elementary Kindness Closet was recently toured by the Board of Education, showcasing a meaningful initiative born from the memory of 26-year veteran teacher Dave Mehan, who passed away in August of 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer. A symbol of love and remembrance, the Kindness Closet provides essential items to students in need, established in honor of the beloved elementary teacher.
The effort to create the Kindness Closet was spearheaded by current Schuylerville teachers Jessica Sorbero, Michele Endres, and Maria DeFilippo, who worked tirelessly to bring Dave’s vision to life. Their work continues to carry on his legacy of compassion, generosity, and unwavering support for students.
Dave Mehan’s journey at Schuylerville began in September 1997. Known for his incredible sense of humor and a heart that was as big as his personality, Dave had an unparalleled ability to connect with students and staff alike. He was often described as someone who never met a stranger—his warm nature and ability to put people at ease made a lasting impression on all those he encountered.
As the Kindness Closet project took shape, Dave’s spirit remained an influential, guiding force. During his cancer treatments, he discussed the importance of a resource that allowed students to have access to simple necessities without any hurdles. His goal was simple: “If you need it, go get it.” The Kindness Closet embraces that philosophy, providing students with the dignity of choosing new items, such as clothing and shoes, in a way that fosters self-esteem and empowerment.
“Dave didn’t want it to be a program that a teacher had to recommend,” said Michele Endres. He wanted it to be, “get what you need”, which was very much his personality.”
Funding for the initiative was made possible through a variety of donations, including contributions from the community, local businesses, and fundraising efforts such as the “Kicking Out Cancer” event held in 2023. Teachers, too, have contributed, with Jessica Sorbero selling handmade items and donating the proceeds to the closet.
The primary goal of the Kindness Closet is to ensure that all items are new, offering students a sense of ownership and pride in their belongings.
“Many students might have to go to the nurse for sneakers; maybe they’ve never had a brand-new pair of snow boots,” said Jessica Sorbero. “We want to provide that experience, where students can have something new and build their self-esteem.”
Fourth grade teacher Maria DeFilippo shared a poignant moment of her own, recalling a time when she helped a student who was without snow gear. “I brought the student a couple of items—coat, snow pants, boots—and when I asked if he wanted to take them home, he said, ‘no, I need to leave them here because I know they’ll be here tomorrow when I come back.’”
She went on to explain there are many students in the elementary school who are facing difficult circumstances and the Kindness Closet makes a world of difference.
The closet is strategically located in the elementary school counseling suite, allowing students to access the items with privacy, enhancing the closet’s ability to meet their needs in a discreet and caring manner.
For the teachers who helped make the Kindness Closet a reality, Sorbero says the project also served another purpose.
“It was definitely a way for us to channel our grief and to channel it in such a positive way, knowing we were carrying out what Dave had wanted us to do.”