Community
QUEENS, NY — This Chanukah season, All About Kindness illuminated Queens with its annual Community Chanukah Carnival, bringing together hundreds of families, children, and community leaders for an evening defined by joy, unity, and purpose.
The festive celebration featured carnival games, bouncy houses, a petting zoo, clowns, live music by DoiraZan, cultural musical performances, a photo booth, holiday treats, Judaica gifts, raffles, and presents—transforming the venue into a vibrant, welcoming space for families of all backgrounds.
At the heart of the evening was a powerful message of individual worth and collective responsibility. Addressing a group of young boys beneath red, white, and blue balloons, Rabbi Shlomo Nisanov reminded them that greatness begins with simply being themselves.
“Sometimes people think they have to be a lot of things—the mayor, the former mayor, the former president, the new president,” Rabbi Nisanov said. “You don’t have to be any of those things. You just have to be yourself. One candle pushes out a lot of darkness. You guys are all stars—all super stars. Make sure you always remember that and that everyone loves you.”
Founded and led by Lyudmila Mierova, All About Kindness is a Queens-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting families facing food insecurity, medical crises, financial hardship, and emotional distress. The organization provides dignity-centered, year-round assistance through direct aid, youth programming, and community outreach—ensuring that no family has to face hardship alone.
During the program, District Leader David Aronov recognized Mierova’s leadership and the organization’s growth over the years.
“Lyudmila, you do tremendous work in the community,” Aronov said. “I’m proud to support you and the work that you do—all the way from several years ago when you first started out. May you continue to grow and to prosper and to continue helping the most needy in the community.”
Aronov then introduced Congresswoman Grace Meng, calling her “the person who always helps our community whenever we reach out or need something.”
Congresswoman Meng thanked All About Kindness for creating a safe and joyful space for families, particularly at a time of heightened uncertainty.
“Thank you so much for providing such an amazing opportunity for children to come together,” Meng said. “It is so awesome to have this wonderful space where families can gather safely, as we celebrate Chanukah and head into the New Year.”
She continued by reaffirming her commitment to the community.
“I know there’s lots of uncertainty in the community right now,” Meng added. “We are here for you. We as politicians and as non-Jewish allies are here for you as we continue to stand together to combat antisemitism and to make sure our synagogues, our shuls, are safe and that our kids are getting all the support that they need.”
The Chanukah Carnival also reflected the organization’s tangible impact throughout the year. In 2025 alone, All About Kindness distributed more than 13,000 Shabbat and holiday meals, delivered over 3,150 hospital care packages, assisted 176 families in transitioning from crisis to stability, answered more than 4,500 support calls, and made over 1,000 referrals for mental-health, domestic-violence, and employment assistance. Thousands of essential items—including clothing, baby supplies, and household goods—were also provided, alongside more than 100 community and youth programs.
“These outcomes reflect not just reach, but depth,” said All About Kindness volunteer Rachel M. “Every family is supported with dignity, consistency, and trust.”
The event was made possible through the generosity of corporate sponsors, business partners, and community supporters. Special thanks were extended to Hadar Bas Yaakov for its annual support, DoiraZan for live music, and the evening’s table sponsors, including Sushi Fusion, Union Bistro, A Maks Cosmetics, YE Training, Elements Salon, SoulBake by Zoya, Custom Design by Malka, Tov Organics, and other local businesses.
Community leaders in attendance included Congresswoman Grace Meng, Erick Adam Suionov from Council Member James Gennaro’s office, Rabbi Shlomo Nisanov, District Leader David Aronov, SAMI founder Manashe Khaimov, Queens Shomrim, and additional local advocates. A special acknowledgment was also given to the volunteers, vendors, and partnering schools—Ezra Academy and Hadar Bais Yaakov—whose dedication brought the carnival to life.
As All About Kindness looks ahead, the organization continues to expand its reach while remaining deeply rooted in personal connection. Teens and young adults are encouraged to join the All About Kindness Youth Program, which offers opportunities for volunteering, leadership development, and ongoing community engagement.
For more information or to get involved, visit allaboutkindness.org or follow @AllAboutKindness613 on Instagram.
By Erin Levi &
All About Kindness Team
Photos courtesy of
Kaykov Media Photography.
