Hometown Hero Made 150+ Food Deliveries To Front Line Workers

NORTH FORK, NY — A North Fork "hometown hero" made the last of more than 150 deliveries to front line workers on Monday — and she reached out to thank the army of angels that made it happen.

But the admiration was mutual: Valerie DeFio of Mattituck also nominated Wendy Zuhoski, owner of Wendy's Deli of Mattituck, for Patch's "Hometown Hero" series, noting that when the pandemic hit, Zuhoski stepped forward in a big way to help.

"She is truly a hero in our town," DeFio said of Zuhoski. "Over the years, she has stepped up when someone in the community has had a need. Whether it was a neighbor whose house burned down, or a community member with a life-threatening illness, or feeding our super hero essential workers that can't stay home. She's been a true bright light in our community. It's so nice to live in a with people like that. When you can be anything, always be kind. She is an inspiration and these kinds of acts bring out the best in everyone."

As for Zuhoski, she announced that Monday was a special day. "We officially made our last delivery to our front line heroes," she said. "I would not even know where to start in the 'thank you' department, so I will just say that we could not have done what we did without your help."

The more than 150 deliveries were donated by community members, businesses and Zuhoski herself and brought to front line workers at Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital, Peconic Bay Medical Center, Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance, Peconic Landing, San Simeon and Southampton Hospital.

"These are our real heroes," she said. "Each and every employee at these places deserve to be called a hero. These were some tough times and I am happy that we could deliver food to get you through the days and nights. Thank you for all of your hard work through these tough times."

Zuhoski said she wanted to express gratitude to everyone who came together to make the effort possible. "You stepped up without our asking for help," she said. "You always do. All of the local businesses, doctors' offices, our customers, friends, family and even people from out of state that follow our social media," she said.

Zuhoski also thanked the volunteers, delivery drivers, and those who sent over lunch and donated food to add to the deliveries, including Southold Fish Market, Ali Katz Kitchen, North Fork Chips, the women who baked and, she said "my Nines," residents who were "there for our every beck and call."

All the cards and letters that came pouring in, Zuhoski said, were a testament to hometown heart.

"It's really just amazing how awesome our community is," she said. "I thank you from the bottom of my heart for putting your trust in me to do the right thing with your donations. That means so much to me. These days will never be forgotten."

As Phase 2 kicked off Wednesday and the economy began to open, Zuhoski was filled with gratitude: "Day by day, we got through it," she said. "I thank God we were able to stay open, stay healthy and were able to help. Thank you. We appreciate your support with everything we do. You are amazing. I would do it again in one split second. It was the most rewarding work I have ever done."