Deli Manager Turns Kindness into $500K School Supply Drive

A deli manager on Staten Island has spearheaded a remarkable initiative, growing from personal rewards for students into a significant community effort. Initially, Wail "Wally" Alselwi offered cash and free snacks from his deli to children who presented excellent report cards. This program gained widespread attention after a video of Alselwi rewarding a student went viral online. The positive response spurred donations, with followers contributing to his GoFundMe campaign. Over three years, this initiative successfully raised more than $500,000. These funds enabled Alselwi to organize a substantial back-to-school giveaway. Approximately 3,000 students across Staten Island received backpacks filled with necessary school supplies, including stationery and notebooks, before the current school year began. The program's success has been widely praised by local parents and community leaders for motivating students and assisting families with educational costs. Alselwi plans to continue these rewards throughout the school year.