LONG ISLAND CITY, NY – Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris recognized western Queens residents who stepped up to help their neighbors during his Western Queens COVID-19 Heroes ceremony on August 25 in Rainey Park.

“So many people stepped up to help their neighbors during the COVID-19 pandemic in so many different ways – providing food, organizing small businesses, distributing needed supplies – that we should thank them for the efforts that saved lives and kept our community together,” said Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris. “I appreciate all their efforts and their partnership in the last year. The western Queens community emerged stronger and better able to tackle the serious challenges we continue to face.”

New York State Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris, center, with honoree Mohamed Jabed of the Astoria Welfare Society and his wife. Photo: Senator Gianaris

During the pandemic, Senator Gianaris focused his local efforts partnering with local mutual aid organizations and food pantries to deliver food and supplies to seniors and other local residents in need during this crisis. He also worked with area small businesses and tenants organizations to deliver rent relief.

New York State Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris with honoree Roseann McSorley of Katch Astoria. Photo: Senator Gianaris

Honorees included:

Queens Liberation Project

Queens Together

Kelli Craig, of LIC Relief

Roseann McSorley of Katch Astoria

Otis and Finn Barbershop

Kate Petersen of Proud Astorian

K. Bain of Queensbridge 696

Community Activist Lashawn “Suga Ray” Marston

Rocky, the Astoria Pug

Jamie Faye Bean of Sunnyside Shines

Ridgewood Tenants Union

Kambri Crews of QED

Mohamed Jabed of the Astoria Welfare Society