As the calendar turned to 2026, Queens Shmira concluded its multi-week “Meals for Heroes” campaign with heartfelt New Year’s Day deliveries to the 102, 107, and 112 Precincts, ensuring that NYPD officers on duty were greeted with hot meals and warm appreciation. These final stops marked the culmination of a deeply impactful initiative that spanned the entire 2025–2026 holiday season, reinforcing community bonds and honoring the unwavering commitment of Queens’ first responders.
Throughout December, Queens Shmira volunteers delivered fresh kosher meals, baked goods, and words of encouragement to a wide range of NYPD and FDNY units, making sure those serving on the front lines across central and eastern Queens felt the community’s gratitude. The visits extended beyond police precincts to include firehouses, transit officers, housing patrol, and highway units – covering diverse neighborhoods and shifts. Each interaction carried the shared message that the Jewish community stands in solidarity with those who serve and protect.
Among the NYPD units visited were the 102nd Precinct in Richmond Hill, 107th in Kew Gardens Hills, 109th in Flushing, 111th in Bayside, 112th in Forest Hills, Transit Bureau District 20 in Briarwood, Housing Bureau PSA-9 in Kew Gardens Hills, and Highway Patrol 3 along the Grand Central Parkway. Equally important were the visits to FDNY stations, including Engine 305 / Ladder 151 in Forest Hills, and Engine 299 / Ladder 152 in Fresh Meadows.
At every stop, officers and firefighters paused from their duties to greet volunteers, accept meals, and express their thanks. More than a simple act of giving, these moments fostered deep camaraderie and reinforced mutual respect. Accompanying the food was a printed message that read: “Your selfless devotion today and throughout the year does not go unnoticed. May you and your families be blessed with safety, security, health, and prosperity.”
Avraham Pinkhasov, Shmira Coordinator, summed up the mission by noting, “This initiative isn’t just about pizza and pastries. It’s about showing up – in person – to acknowledge their sacrifice, especially on days when most people are off the clock and home with family.” Volunteers took time to speak with officers and firefighters, pose for photos, and share meaningful conversations that made a lasting impact.
This community-driven initiative was made possible thanks to the support of local sponsors who donated food and resources to make the effort a success. These included Naomi’s Pizza & Falafel, Toast It, Wasserman Supermarket, Seasons, Margaret Tietz Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Boulevard ALP Assisted Living, the Queens Jewish Community Council (QJCC), Beth Gavriel, Shalom & Victoria Zirkiev, and the Queens Jewish Link.
Special recognition is due to the Queens Shmira Board of Directors and Coordinators, who carefully planned and executed the operation with professionalism and care.
The program has become a staple of the organization’s winter calendar and a reflection of the Jewish value of hakaras ha’tov, giving thanks to those who give so much.
To learn more about Queens Shmira or to get involved, visit www.qbspshmira.org or call their 24/7 emergency hotline at 718-329-4444.
By Shabsie Saphirstein
