sunny skyz · 338 days ago

Deli Owner Rewards Hard-Working Students with Snacks, Cash, and a Whole Lot of Encouragement

At Zack's Finest Deli & Grocery in Staten Island, a community thrives on acknowledgment and encouragement, spearheaded by Wail Alselwi's initiative to reward students for academic achievements. Dubbed "Island Ock," Alselwi transforms report cards into tokens of celebration, offering free snacks, T-shirts, and even $100 bills to hard-working students. His selfless act of kindness not only boosts spirits but also garners neighborhood support, culminating in a successful $70,000 GoFundMe campaign. As Alselwi observes, "Many kids lack encouragement, and sometimes, all it takes is a small incentive." The deli's commitment, resting on the belief that appreciation fuels success, stitches a tapestry of positivity that envelops every student who walks through its doors. Here, scholastic effort is not just a path to personal success but also a gateway to community kinship.