At Zack’s Finest Deli & Grocery in Staten Island, Wail Alselwi—affectionately known as "Island Ock"—is using his store to inspire local students to succeed. What began as a promise to one struggling student has blossomed into a heartwarming tradition. Alselwi rewards kids for academic achievement, improvement, and attendance with snacks, T-shirts, and even $100 bills, celebrating their efforts on his popular TikTok account. Seventeen-year-old Madison, a regular participant, recently earned a perfect score and received both cash and treats, beaming with pride.
The initiative, which Alselwi launched in 2023, has since gone viral, attracting kids from all over—and donations from supporters across the internet. For Alselwi, who has children of his own back in Yemen, this is more than just a community project. It's a labor of love. “I see my own kids in front of me,” he says. Thanks to a GoFundMe started by his brother, nearly $50,000 has been raised to help keep the rewards flowing, showing just how powerful encouragement and a little kindness can be.
Changing Lives, One Report Card at a Time!
Check out how one Staten Island deli owner is turning good grades into great rewards and big smiles. His story is the reminder we all need about the power of community and encouragement.
Celebrate Someone’s Win Today
What if celebrating someone’s success could change their entire outlook? We’re challenging you to spread joy and uplift those around you—just like Wail Alselwi is doing in his Staten Island bodega. Check out the full story on TODAY!
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