North Kingstown Business Owner Recognized For Food Bank Work, More

NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI — Without community leaders, North Kingstown wouldn’t hum along nearly as smoothly as it does. We’d miss their contributions in big and small ways.

Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to recognize these often unsung community leaders and celebrate their contributions.

This submission comes from Deb Shapiro, a North Kingstown reader who nominated Jeff Shapiro.

How do you know the community leader?

Community business owner and community supporter

Why do you believe the community leader should be recognized or honored?

Business Supporter of the local food bank for 28 years of store business, originator of Witches of Wickford Paddle in 2019 now bringing hundreds of people to local community, from 30 in inaugural year to more than 250 paddling witches in 2023 who will paddle for fun and to raise money for North Kingstown Food Bank, Wickford Village Association member and officer focused on the community and growth of Wickford Village in NK, actively supports personally and with his Kayak Centre staff and business resources Wickford Harbor Lights which brings hundreds to Wickford Village, WYC Club member for 6+ year and opens his home annually to visiting sailors as well as supports racing events personally as a volunteer committee member, has opened his home for local Histwick Association Tours, Active supporter of inaugural 2023 Paddle for Progress event for Breast Cancer in September, 2023 and in prior years the ALS Association of RI. Jeff Shapiro belives that hsi commitment to the Wickford Village Association is beneficial to ALL businesses and the phrase "it takes a village" is completely aligned with hsi thinkign and approach. He has immersed himself personally and professionally in the continued success and culture of Wickford Village.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the community hero?

He's an unsung hero, committed to the culture and growth of Wickford Village in multiple ways for the benefit of the entire community as well as visitors.

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.

Know a community leader who deserves a shout-out?

Nominate them here.