Swami Durga Das of River Fund and Tony Singh of Community Pantry were honored Nov. 15 at the Richmond Hill Library as part of its “Giving Thanks” event.
Sponsored by the Queens Book Fair and Literary Festival and the city Department of Education’s Office of Adult and Continuing Education, the program was started by Dhanpaul Narine around seven years ago to highlight the talent of neighborhood youth while honoring significant figures in the community. This year’s honorees, selected with Community Board 9 Chair Sherry Algredo, have run their pantries for more than 30 years.
At the event, kids from the community read Thanksgiving-themed poetry before Das and Singh were honored by a slew of officials, including state Sens. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) and Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans); Assemblymembers Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven), David Weprin (D-Fresh Meadows) and Khaleel Anderson (D-South Ozone Park); Councilmembers Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills) and Nantasha Williams (D-St. Albans); and Borough President Donovan Richards Jr.
The duo also received certificates from Community Board 9 and plaques from Narine on behalf of the Queens Book Fair.
“I was proud to honor Swami Durga Das and Tony Singh — two giants of compassion in South Queens,” Rajkumar said in a statement. “Through River Fund and Community Pantry, they feed thousands of families, fight every day to break the cycle of poverty and throw open the doors of opportunity for our neighbors. Their work ensures no one is left hungry or forgotten, and their unwavering service reflects the very best of who we are as New Yorkers.”
Comrie said he was “honored to present a proclamation to Swami Durga Das, the founder of the River Fund pantry, for his dedication to helping people in need.”
Weprin said, “This event was a powerful reminder of what true community service looks like, honoring leaders who have spent over 30 years fighting food insecurity with compassion and dedication.”