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Western Queens Leaders Honored For Charity Work During Pandemic

State Sen. Michael Gianaris with some of the local leaders who were honored for their charitable work at an event in Astoria Wednesday (Photo provided by State Sen. Michael Gianaris)

Aug. 27, 2021 By Michael Dorgan

A number of western Queens leaders who have helped residents in need during the pandemic were honored at an event in Astoria Wednesday.

The event, called Western Queens Heroes of COVID-19, was organized by State Sen. Michael Gianaris and took place at Rainey Park – the waterfront park located on Vernon Boulevard between 33rd Road and 35th Avenue.

Gianaris said many of the honorees distributed food and supplies to residents who had fallen on hard times, due to the economic downturn caused by the pandemic.

Others helped small businesses like restaurants stay afloat by enlisting them to cook meals, which were then delivered to local charities and public housing developments.

“So many people stepped up to help their neighbors during the COVID-19 pandemic in so many different ways…that saved lives and kept our community together,” Gianaris said.

The lawmaker presented more than a dozen honorees with a plaque award at the event in recognition of their work. Some awards were given to organizations.

“The western Queens community emerged stronger and better able to tackle the serious challenges we continue to face,” he said.

The Western Queens Heroes of COVID-19 Honorees are:

Queens Liberation Project
Queens Together
Kelli Craig, of LIC Relief
Roseann McSorley, of Katch Astoria
Otis and Finn Barbershop
Kate Petersen of Proud Astorian
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