YOUNGSTOWN - Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries has donated $5,000 to the United Way of Youngstown and Mahoning Valley on Monday morning to support the victims of the recent explosion at the Phoenix House apartment building in Austintown.

The donation was made possible through funds raised through Goodwill's Giving Tuesday campaign during the first week of December, along with a matching contribution from the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley.

Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries CEO Shelley Murray is quoted in a press release saying this donation is a direct reflection of the compassion and generosity of the community.

"When our neighbors are facing hardship, our donors, our shoppers and our partners step up. Together, we were able to turn small acts of giving into meaningful support for those who need it most," Murray said.

Additionally, Goodwill provided hands-on assistance to affected residents. On December 10, Goodwill participated in a United Way event fair at the Holiday Inn in Boardman, where they distributed essential items to those in need.

These items were collected from across Goodwill's 10 local stores, as well as through donations from the Austintown Senior Center and the Mahoning County Veterans Service Commission.