YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — Each year, the Salvation Army and iHeart Media join forces to raise money for Toys for Tots, a nonprofit charity organization that collects toys to distribute to children all over the country. This year, Boak & Sons Inc., a residential and commercial exterior contracting company based in Youngstown, Ohio, is supporting the Toys for Tots campaign with a $10,000 donation to help them get started.

Sam Boak, president and founder of Boak & Sons Inc., is well-known in the Youngstown area for his dedication to giving back to the local community. He and his company participate in several charitable causes and events throughout the entire year, such as the Sleep in Heavenly Peace fundraiser, the Second Harvest Foodbank, Warming Warren and others.

“When you have so many blessings in life, it’s crucial that you share those blessings with others,” said Sam. “There is a staggering number of children in the Youngstown area alone who don’t have the means to celebrate the joy and magic of Christmas, and by helping The Salvation Army, we’re able to remind those children that they are not forgotten and that they are loved. 

"I believe strongly in giving back to the community that has supported my business for decades and helping out causes like Toys for Tots is just one of the many ways we can do that. Each time we participate in something like this, my hope is that others follow by our example.”

In addition to Boak’s supporting Toys for Tots, he also gets his employees at Boak & Sons involved. One employee in particular, CJ Zelonish, volunteered countless hours to Toys for Tots and was given an award for his efforts.