Wail Alselwi
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Wail Alselwi | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 20, 1989[1] |
| Other names | Island Ock |
| Occupations |
|
| Organization(s) | Zack's Finest Deli & Grocery (co-founder) |
| Known for | Grades for Grabs program |
Wail Alselwi (born May 20, 1989), also known as Island Ock,[1] is a deli owner and social media personality based in Staten Island, New York. He co-founded and manages Zack's Finest Deli & Grocery in the Port Richmond section of the borough.[2] He created Grades for Grabs, a program that rewards students with groceries or small cash amounts for strong academic performance. Videos of the initiative have been widely viewed on TikTok and reported by national and local media.[3][4][5]
Early life and background
[edit]Alselwi was born in Yemen and later moved to the United States. Before operating a business in Staten Island, he ran a deli in the Bronx from 2019 to 2022, which closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. He and family members later partnered with a local owner to establish Zack's Finest Deli & Grocery.[1]
Career
[edit]Alselwi co-founded Zack's Finest Deli & Grocery and manages its daily operations.[3] Media coverage has highlighted his interactions with customers and with students participating in the Grades for Grabs program.[3][4]
The program began in 2023 after a video of student Zameir Davis presenting an honor-roll report card at the deli drew widespread attention on TikTok.[4][6] Students who bring in report cards with high marks may receive snacks, groceries, or small monetary rewards. Participants have included students from across Staten Island and nearby areas.[3][2]
Alselwi initially funded the program himself. As attention increased, supporters encouraged him to accept donations, resulting in a GoFundMe campaign and merchandise sales.[3] By 2025, the fundraiser had collected more than $330,000 to support the initiative.[1]
The program has been covered by The Washington Post, ABC News, Good Morning America, Upworthy, and Stay Inspired News.[3][5][4][6][1] In 2024, Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella presented certificates of appreciation to Alselwi and Davis for their contribution to encouraging local students.[2]
Personal life
[edit]Alselwi has a wife and three daughters who live in Yemen, whom he visits periodically.[3]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e "NY deli owner raises $330,000 to reward kids for good grades". Stay Inspired News. November 11, 2025. Retrieved November 14, 2025.
- ^ a b c Shahi, Priya (July 22, 2024). "Staten Island deli blowing up Internet: Kids getting free stuff for good grades goes viral". SILive. Retrieved November 14, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g MacInnes, Hannah M. (May 3, 2025). "'Grades for grabs': A bodega owner's gifts for students go viral". The Washington Post. Retrieved November 14, 2025.
- ^ a b c d Singh, Nidhi (May 2024). "Deli owner rewards kids' good grades". Good Morning America. Retrieved November 14, 2025.
- ^ a b "Deli owner rewards kids' good grades". ABC News. May 2024. Retrieved November 14, 2025.
- ^ a b Shiffer, Emily (April 18, 2025). "Bodega owner hands kid $100 bill and free groceries after seeing honor roll report card". Upworthy. Retrieved November 14, 2025.