Scarsdale Students Show Appreciation to First Responders

October 7th, 2023 was a day that left many in our community feeling devastated and fearful for the safety of loved ones in Israel and even right here at home. After the heartbreaking events of that day, and in response to the rise of anti-semtic incidents around Westchester, local police officers began working even harder to protect Scarsdale’s schools, houses of worship, and the community overall.

Noticing the increased police presence, three Scarsdale High School students (Arielle Zaitchik, Cami Culang, and Samantha Schnieder) wanted to find a way to thank the police department for their dedication to keeping their community safe. What started with the three students providing a simple Shabbat Dinner to express their gratitude, quickly evolved into a bigger project where they not only deliver Shabbat dinners, but also special meals for holidays and other secular celebrations.

Taking their gratitude to the next level, Zaitchik, Culang, and Schneider co-founded “Appreciating First Responders” where, with the help of community members who generously contribute food and donations, they are able to provide first responders with delicious pot-luck style meals. Recently, Appreciating First Responders delivered a festive feast for both lunch and dinner to their beloved police department in celebration of the winter holidays.

The collection of donations during the holidays was so successful that the group was also able to provide food for Chief Matturro’s retirement and on Super Bowl Sunday. Even though firefighters had to work that evening, AFS delivered submarine sandwiches and chicken wings to the fire department so they could still enjoy some traditional Super Bowl party food.

In effort to spread awareness about their project, the co-founders also recently led a session during Scarsdale High School’s Non-Sibi Day, where students decorated cookies and made cards expressing their gratitude for everything Scarsdale’s first responders do to protect the community.

When asked about why she was motivated to start Appreciating First Responders, Zaitchik said, “We hope the police, fire department, and EMTs feel the love and appreciation from the Scarsdale community for all they do to protect us.”

And when asked how others can help, Zaitchik added, “To help out with our project, the community can follow our Instagram account where we post updates and ways to contribute to our potluck meals. If bringing a meal is not an option, donations are also very helpful. When families drop off their contributions, oftentimes the police are appreciative and will give out stickers, introduce Sushi, the K9, or the firemen will allow the kids to spray the hoses.”

If you would like to contribute to Appreciating First Responders next meal, follow the project on Instagram.