Staten Island deli owner Wail Alselwi, known online as “Island Ock,” has built a following by rewarding students for good grades. What began in 2023 with one promise to student Zameir Davis has grown into a larger effort backed by online supporters. Alselwi launched a GoFundMe in March 2025 for “Grades for Grabs,” and the fundraiser has raised more than $550,000. He says the money helps provide free snacks, cash prizes and continued support for students who improve. Alselwi has also helped organize school supply giveaways, including one outside Zack’s Finest Deli on Aug. 25. He says he wants to keep supporting children and hopes they learn to give back to the community.
