NEW YORK (PIX11) \u2014 A Staten Island bodega manager is going viral for rewarding kids for their hard work in school.<\/p>\n
What began with one student has grown into a nationwide movement, drawing families from out of state.<\/p>\n
It started with a simple challenge: one kid,\u00a0one report card, and a promise.<\/p>\n
Wail Alselwi, known online as\u00a0Island Ock, manages this Staten Island deli. He never expected that moment to spark something much bigger.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt went viral,\u201d adding, \u201ckids from everywhere in Staten Island saying Can I show you my report card?\u201d<\/p>\n
After posting quickly and consistently, his social media pages began reaching millions.<\/p>\n
Kids weren\u2019t only getting whatever they wanted from the store but also a $100 bill. <\/p>\n
Russell Vinson is one of the students who showed up.\u00a0He says, \u201cIt\u2019s shocking seeing a lot of people around the world getting encouraged.\u201d Currently in seventh grade, Russell says the reward is about more than just what he receives.\u00a0\u201cI want to set an example for others, for kids that are doing a little bit poorly in school to bring up their grades more.\u201d<\/p>\n
After two years, word has spread far beyond Staten Island. Kids from every borough come here now, along with families from out of state. One family traveled from Alabama, and just this week, two kids came from Virginia.\u00a0At first, Wail covered the costs himself, but high demand pushed him to launch a GoFundMe page. And in recent weeks, lines have stretched out the door for days.<\/p>\n
Wail says as interest grew, so did the standards \u201cto get the 100 dollars and the island ock t-shirt, kids have to get a 98+ average. If you have an 88 to 97, you get to grab whatever you want.\u201d\u00a0The rewards are now limited to twice a year, in December and June, with appointments required in advance.<\/p>\n
Diamond Cunningham, a regular customer, says this kindness matters.\u00a0\u201cA lot of parents can\u2019t reward their kids when their report cards is good.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wail says he\u2019s grateful the idea has taken off, but hopes more people step in to help keep it going, \u201cif you can help your community the same way I\u2019ve helped my community, why not?\u201d<\/p>\n
And\u00a0Russell\u00a0agrees, hard work deserves recognition.\u00a0\u201cGive Wail the credit he deserves because he\u2019s a good guy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.<\/p>\n