Growing up on West 4th Street, many of my fondest memories revolved around Westside Market, a beloved neighborhood grocery store that was much more than just a place to buy food. It was a community cornerstone owned by the kind and generous Irving Givot. His spirit of generosity and kindness touched everyone who set foot in the store. His influence still resonates with me today, and I know he left a lasting impression on countless others in our community.

Irv had a way of making every child feel special. If you brought in a report card with good grades, he’d reward you with a candy bar. After school, he’d hand out a free piece of gum to kids just for stopping by. On Halloween, he’d give out sodas to trick-or-treaters. And if your family was going through a tough time, Irv would simply say, “Pay when you can.” He never turned anyone away. His kindness was genuine, and his store felt like a second home to many of us.

Unfortunately, since the market closed, the lot where it once stood has been vacant for decades. This empty space feels like a void in our community—a reminder of a cherished place and person we once had. That's why we propose to transform this space into Givot Corner, a memorial park that honors Irving Givot's legacy.

Givot Corner would not only commemorate Irv's profound impact on our community but would also provide a much-needed green space for relaxation and reflection. Imagine a beautiful park with benches to sit, a commemorative plaque celebrating a local hero, and green spaces where families can gather and children can play.

Memorial parks have a powerful way of revitalizing spaces, fostering community engagement, and providing areas for recreation and reflection. By creating Givot Corner, we continue Irv's legacy of generosity, creating a place that echoes the warmth and hospitality he offered so freely.

We need your support to bring this vision to life. Please sign this petition to urge the Sioux City Council to allocate resources and support the development of Givot Corner. Let's honor Irv's memory and create a lasting tribute to his kindness, ensuring that future generations appreciate the values and spirit he exemplified every day at Westside Market.

Your signature can help transform this vacant lot into a living tribute for a man who gave so much to the people around him. Please join us in making Givot Corner a reality.