GoFundMe helps Bistro 1907 employees during Realty Building closure
Demolition work continues on the Realty Building in downtown Youngstown but workers across the street at Bistro 1907 on the ground floor of the Stambaugh Building haven't been able to work there in more than two months.
The workers are getting some financial assistance thanks to a GoFundMe created to help them.
The GoFundMe had a goal of $5,000 to split among the employees but the fundraiser doubled that total with more than $10,000 in donations.
With the extra donations, each employee was given $220.
Employees told 21 News that it means a lot to them to have the community's support.
"I do appreciate it because it was a hard situation," Bistro 1907 chef Kalvino Brown said. "Nobody expected it and I really appreciate everything they're doing for us. It really does help out, every little thing helps out."
Construction crews brought a second crane to the explosion-damaged building Wednesday to speed up the demolition process.
An original deadline was set for Friday, August 2, to get the building down to the 4th floor, but as of Thursday, all 12 floors are still standing.