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Coronavirus acts of kindness: North Jersey residents are finding ways to help those in need

Esther Davidowitz
NorthJersey.com

There isn't much to be joyful about nowadays. People are out of work, shut in, losing their lives. But hard times have a way of bringing out the best in us. Here are some examples of the acts of kindness North Jerseyans are performing during this profoundly difficult time.

Helping feed medical professionals 

Delivering food to hospital workers at Holy Name Medical Center

Daniel Rothner, founder and director of Areyvut, a Bergenfield-based Jewish organization, is spearheading a meal-a-day restaurant delivery service to feed hospital workers at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck.

"It is by the far the hardest-hit hospital in New Jersey," said Rothner, a Teaneck resident. "We wanted to say thank you." Areyvut’s mission is to infuse the lives of Jewish youth and teens with communal service.

The organization is paying for meals that Teaneck restaurants prepare and then drop off at the hospital. The participating restaurants include Chopstick Kosher Chinese (chospstixusa.com), EJ's Place (Facebook), Yalla (yallteaneck.com), and Senders Smoke Joint (facebook/senders.com). Rothner has allocated $3,000 for the meals and hopes to raise $5,000 more for the cause. 

"This helps restaurants that are struggling," he said, "and it helps our front-line hospital workers." 

Donating sales money to keep your staff fed 

Demetri Malki

As of March 24, Demetri Malki, the owner of De Novo in Montclair and Edgewater, has been donating 100% of the restaurant’s sales to his employees.  

"I am absorbing the cost, all related expenses such as food, utilities, insurance, all overhead," he said.

Malki closed his Edgewater location temporarily and has kept the Montclair spot running for no-contact pickup and delivery. He estimates that the restaurant made $800 the other day. "This is not a time to think about making money," he said. He estimated he has 30 employees. "They need to eat, too."

In announcing what he's doing on Instagram, Malki said: "COVID-19 you will not win! Together we will come out of this stronger." 

Giving out treats to hospital workers

Sabor Peru gave out treats to hospital workers.

A month ago, Diana Rodriguez had planned a big party to celebrate both her 28th birthday and her first year as chef/owner of Sabor Peru, a Peruvian restaurant in Caldwell that her aunt and uncle had owned. But last week the Clifton resident had to cancel her party due to the pandemic. Realizing that she had enough tres leches, flan and chocolate cake to delight 100 sweet tooths, she packed the desserts into individual packets and delivered them to Hackensack University Medical Center to give their employees a treat. Each packet included kind words to inspire the workers.

The next day she took more to Mountainside Hospital in Glen Ridge. "Sill found a way to share cake and kindness," she said on Instagram. 

She plans to continue delivering desserts to hospital workers. "As long as we can, we'll keep doing this," she said. "Desserts aren't what people usually order for takeout, so I think this is a treat." 

Buying fresh fish for neighbors (and cooking some, too)

Private chef and caterer Chistine Nunn lives in a small community in Fair Lawn called Radburn. To help both her neighbors and her fish vendor, Off the Hook in Midland Park, she decided to buy and deliver fresh fish to her neighbors. 

"Today I delivered 500 bucks worth," she said. In return, she asks that anyone who ordered fish check in on their elderly neighbors.

A few have asked her to cook the fish. Nunn couldn't turn them down. 

She plans to make another shopping trip soon.

Giving away bread for free

Mama's Cafe Bici, a family-owned Italian restaurant in Hackettstown, is giving a free loaf of bread to anyone who needs it, saying: "Whether it's for your mom, your friend, or your neighbor we want to accommodate them all."

"We at Mama's always welcome our customers as family, and we hope this small step can provide a bit of comfort." The breads are available at the restaurant, at 260 Mountain Ave., Hackettstown; 908- 852-2820, mamascafebaci.com.

Esther Davidowitz is the food editor for NorthJersey.com. For more on where to dine and drink, please subscribe today and sign up for our North Jersey Eats newsletter.

Email: davidowitz@northjersey.com Twitter: @estherdavido