YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - The commercial and residential contracting company, Boak and Sons, Inc., has donated $20,000 to the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley.

According to a press release, the company provided $10,000 to assist Downtown Recovery efforts, particularly in response to the displacement of 170 residents from International Towers as result of the Youngstown reality building explosion.

"We've always believed in the power of community," said Sam Boak, owner and founder of Boak & Sons. "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. This is about rolling up our sleeves and being part of Youngstown's journey to renewal."

The remaining $10,000 of the donation will go towards the United Way's monthly food delivery service, Saturday of Caring. Every third Saturday of every month, over 100 volunteers unload, pack, and deliver fresh food and non-perishable 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," said Bob Hannon, President of the United Way of Youngstown. "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."