Small Businesses With Big Hearts Give Back During Coronavirus

RIVERHEAD, NY — In the face of coronavirus, small business owners are facing economic challenges and new restrictions that have either led to outright closures or the ability to only serve takeout or delivery orders.

But across the East End and on Long Island, there is an army of caring business owners and community members who have banded together and decided to focus on giving back, rather than giving in to despair.

Wendy Zuhoski, owner of Wendy's Deli in Mattituck, has long been known for her efforts to lend a hand to those in the community finding themselves tackling tough times. She's organized scores of fundraisers over the years and is always ready to help.

When Zuhoski saw a post about the staff at local hospitals needing food, she sprang into action. On Monday, she delivered lunch to the emergency room staff at Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead.

"I knew we needed to jump right on that. It's not about us making a bunch of sandwiches and sending them down there. It's not about that at all," she said. "We appreciate each and every one of the hospital employees working through all of this. These are tough times. We can't imagine the hours you are putting in and the conditions you are working under. Please know how appreciated you are."

Zuhoski also brought food to Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital in Greenport Monday night and is headed to San Simeon By the Sound in Greenport on Tuesday.

When asked how she was able to give back so freely when all small businesses have been hit hard, Zuhoski said: "So many of these workers are customers of ours. They are going through very tough times and we are here to help them out."

And she's not alone in her efforts: Zuhoski said she's had people asking all day how they could take part in the effort.

"Everyone wants to help," she said. "It's amazing how many of you have reached out to us to see what you can do to help. Thank you — we couldn't do what we do without you. From other business owners to family to friends to customers to people we don't even know. It started at 5 a.m. this morning with people giving us money to pay it forward, people stopping by with donations, people offering to deliver donations, people dropping off baked goods to add to donations — it's never-ending, and we really appreciate each and every one of you."

Other business owners have offered funds, or offered to roll up their sleeves and cook.

The effort was greatly appreciated, said Shannon Sabbatino, who works at PBMC. "Getting these meals has been so amazing," she said. "We all appreciate it so much, from doctors to housekeeping. We all gather in the break room to have a nice snack and have a few minutes to gather ourselves. It's truly appreciated."

Helping to nurture during the most daunting of times is Zuhoski's mission.

"This is what it's all about. This is us. I love to see the good in people. It sure does shine lately," Zuhoski said. "We will get through this."

(Courtesy Peggy Kneski of the Riverhead Flower Shop)

Bouquets of love for seniors

When Peggy Kneski, owner of the Riverhead Flower Shop on East Main Street, learned she had to close Sunday night because her businesses was deemed "non-essential," she gave back in a big way.

"This is what teamwork, family, small business loyalty looks like," she wrote on Facebook. "During this difficult time we are sending out 150 fresh flower vase arrangements" —one for every resident at the Acadia Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation — "who is unable to have family and friends visit" due to coronavirus concerns.

With the store's own stock of product and "a generous supply" offered from J. Merullo Imports in Syosset, Kneski said: "We were able to achieve our goal. Our hope is to let the residents know that we love them, care about them and will not forget about them. We're hoping to calm their fears just a bit."

Every day, Patch will focus on community members making a difference to help others in need. If you want to share a story of giving, email Lisa.Finn@patch.com.