(WENY) -- One woman in Elmira is turning grief and the loss of her son into something positive on his 'Angel-versary.' Deb Maxwell, the founder of Smile Through the Storms started a pet food/supply for local animal shelters in honor and memory of her late son, David.

"My son David is an amazing spirit and light. He [had] a terrific personality, [he was] outgoing, helpful, loved animals... He was just all heart. A couple of years ago on his Angel-versary as I refer to it, it's a very difficult day. So, to try to make a good day happen on that day, I started a pet food/pet needs drive. I donate all of the items that are donated to [the] Elmira Animal Shelter and/or Southern Tier Animal Control. This is the third year I've done it," said Maxwell.

Maxwell is accepting donations until March 3rd. People can drop off or mail pet food/supply donations to:

529 Budd Street
Elmira, NY 14904

They can also reach Maxwell at:

Debmax61@yahoo.com or call (607)-241-6624

The items will be taken to the shelters on David's Angel-versary on March 5th.

'Smile Through the Storms Suicide Survivors Support Group' was created because Maxwell said there wasn't a group to help people like her.

"My son David completed suicide back in March 2014 and there was no place around for me to be able to go and talk to other survivors and be with someone who understood, so I founded the group," said Maxwell.

Smile Through the Storms has meetings twice a month, and people can join virtually by clicking the link on the website.

Maxwell also has a message for people who wanted/tried to complete suicide, or lost a member to it.

"As far as a person who has attempted, you're worth staying here, you need to stay here. There's a reason why you're here. For the families who have lost someone to suicide, you're not alone. We're here, we understand, [and] the group is a safe place to be. To do something to celebrate a person's life, is a wonderful, wonderful thing. That's how I get through is celebrating my son's life. He deserves to be remembered," said Maxwell.