Boak and Sons Donates $20K to Support United Way Causes

AUSTINTOWN, Ohio – Boak and Sons has contributed $20,000 to the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley.

Half of the donation will go toward downtown recovery efforts, “particularly in response to the displacement of 170 residents from International Towers,” a news release states. Residents were ordered to evacuate the building earlier this month due to safety concerns after the May 28 explosion at the neighboring Realty Tower.

“We’ve always believed in the power of community. This contribution to the United Way is our way of saying ‘we’re with you’ to every neighbor in the city of Youngstown and in our Valley,” Sam and Donna Boak, owners of Boak and Sons, said in a statement. “This is about rolling up our sleeves and being part of Youngstown’s journey to renewal.”

The remaining $10,000 will go toward the United Way’s monthly food delivery, Saturday of Caring. Every third Saturday, more than 100 volunteers unload, pack and deliver fresh food and nonperishable items to 460 homes throughout Mahoning County.

“This initiative started during the pandemic and was meant to help those homebound and seniors who could not get out of their homes. These individuals still need access to food,” said Bob Hannon, president of the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley. “The cost of groceries continues to rise, so we are thankful to Boak and Sons for funding this effort. We can’t do any of our work alone, and the Boaks are a great asset to this Valley. We are lucky to have their support.”

Pictured at top: In the front row, from left, are Tina Chance, United Way director of resource development; Sam and Donna Boak; and Bob Hannon. Standing behind them are Boak and Sons employees.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.