STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - Dawn McGillivray says she is trying to turn her life around after struggling with addiction and the recent loss of her 25-year-old daughter. She is grateful she found the South Shore Community Food Pantry on Staten Island on her way to a treatment program.

What You Need To Know

  • The South Shore Community Food Pantry started as a response to COVID-19, in conjunction with Reform Church of Prince Bay

  • The effort is lead by US Army Veteran Joe Meizlik, who was once homeless for three years after losing his job and home at the same time

  • The effort provides weekly hot meals and pantry items plus toiletries and fresh produce in cooperation with City Harvest 

  • The group plans to continue the effort as long as there is a need in the community

"Thank God because I'm on my last bit of food now," said McGillivray, who also takes advantage of the toiletries and household items available there.

The effort is led by U.S. Army Veteran Joe Meizlik in cooperation with the Reform Church of Prince Bay. Meizlik and volunteers stepped in when the church closed in mid-March due to the coronavirus, continuing to provide weekly hot meals for anyone who needed them, and establishing this pantry for folks in need to stock up on essential items for their home.

"You know I came across a really good group of other concerned Islanders and we got together and it turned into something that we just didn't think it would turn into, something huge," said Meizlik.

Among the volunteers is Judith Cusano, who helps cook meals for 50 to 60 people each week. 

"They come from all over, they lost their job, they can't make ends meet," said Cusano, who likes to make Italian specialties for the Sunday meals.

The pantry drew the attention of Staten Islander and USA National Miss New York Gabriella Caggiano, who has been involved in her own charitable project called slice of love, getting pizza lunches to essential workers.

"I decided to bring a few pizza pies to them today, and just say thank you for all they are doing for our community at this time," said Caggiano, who is entering her senior year at Syracuse University.

During the visit, Meizlik took time to speak with Caggiano and other local pageant winners about giving back to the community. Meizlik himself spent three years living on the streets after losing his job and home in 2011, but was able to bounce back. He tells anyone willing to listen, that they can do the same.

"You know what, you can come up from the ashes, just like I did, and make a good life for yourself, and then go ahead and pay it forward," said Meizlik.  

You can find the South Shore Community Food Pantry on Facebook.