About ReLeaf Michigan: Our Partner in Planting Trees

At Big Ox Tree Service, we’re proud to partner with ReLeaf Michigan, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to planting trees and growing healthier communities across Michigan. Founded in 1988 by respected arborists, ReLeaf Michigan has planted over 33,500 trees in more than 700 communities, from bustling cities to small towns like Kingston. Their mission is to rebuild Michigan’s urban and rural tree canopies while educating residents on the value of trees and how to properly select, plant, and maintain them.

What makes ReLeaf Michigan special is its commitment to planting the “Right Tree in the Right Place at the Right Time.” They use substantial trees—about 2 inches in diameter and at least 6 feet tall—to ensure higher survival rates and immediate environmental impact. Working with volunteers, schools, and local groups, they plant in public spaces like parks and school grounds, creating lasting benefits for communities. Trees improve air quality, support public health, and protect our Great Lakes by filtering stormwater, vital in a state that holds 94% of North America’s freshwater.

Through the “Sonny Days Tree Tribute and Kayak Safety Campaign,” we’re honored to work with ReLeaf Michigan to plant trees in memory of Sonny, Iziah, and Melodie. When you donate directly to them at releafmichigan.org/donate, selecting the tribute option for Sonny, Iziah, and Melodie or the “Sonny Days” campaign, you’re helping us create a living legacy in Kingston.

Be sure to send the e-card to bigoxtreeservice@gmail.com so we can thank you for your support. Together, we’re growing hope, one tree at a time.

Keeping Teens Safe: Life Jackets in Memory of Sonny, Iziah, and Melodie

Through the “Sonny Days Tree Tribute and Water Safety Campaign,” Big Ox Tree Service is committed to keeping Kingston teens safe on the water in honor of Sonny, Iziah, and Melodie. On March 19, 2024, we lost our loved ones in a tragic kayak accident at Stockton Lake, Missouri, where rough, freezing water claimed their lives. They weren’t wearing life jackets—a small choice that could have saved them. Determined to protect other families in our community, we’re providing life jackets to local teens, ensuring they can enjoy the Cass River and other waterways safely.

For every $50 donated through our site, we’ll provide a Type III life jacket to a Kingston teen, purchased locally to support our area. We will be partnering with Kingston High School and the Tuscola County Sheriff to distribute them, focusing on teens who need them most, like those from low-income families or without proper gear. A $50 donation includes a certificate acknowledging your gift in memory of Sonny, Iziah, and Melodie. Every life jacket we give out is a step toward preventing another tragedy, keeping their love for the outdoors alive in our community.

We’re starting small, focusing on locally as we heal, but we hope you’ll join us in this mission. Your donation can make a life-saving difference, right here in our little corner of Michigan.

How Your Life Jacket Donations Make a Difference

Supporting the “Sonny Days” campaign is simple and secure. On our Donate page, a $50 donation provides a life jacket for a Kingston teen and includes a digital certificate honoring your gift in memory of Sonny, Iziah, and Melodie. Click “Donate Now” to pay via PayPal, using your PayPal account or a credit/debit card. After donating, provide your email below to receive your certificate, which you can print or share online to show your support.

We purchase Type III life jackets locally from retailers like Walmart in Caro, costing around $40 each, to support our community. We will distribute them through Kingston High School and the Tuscola County Sheriff, focusing on teens in need. For transparency, we track every donation and will update our Donate page with our impact, like “We’ve provided 10 life jackets as of July 2025.” Your support helps keep Kingston teens safe, honoring our loved ones with every life jacket given.

Email for Certificate: Email us and provide your email address to receive your certificate

Provide a local teen with a new life jacket