Difference Makers

America's Wholesale Outlet is recognized as a Community Leader through its investment in expanding local news coverage. Thanks to their participation in the Community Leaders Program we are able to enhance areas of content in Mahoning that were underserved in the past.

America's Wholesale Outlet proudly supports Difference Makers that bring you stories about the many inspiring difference makers in our community.

DIVA Donations provides prom dress assistance, fairy tale experiences for children

Kristin Bodendorfer, owner of DIVA Donations, 11836 South Ave., Door E on the second floor, describes the operation as “the first formal clothing closet in Mahoning County.” 

Jul 20, 2021 4:26 AM Read more >

Youngstown native, Academy for Urban Scholars partner for 24-Hour U-Haul Project

The Youngstown Police Department’s community police unit is also getting involved by collecting donations for the project including young adult and adult clothes, jackets, shoes, hygiene products and non-perishables.

Mar 30, 2021 4:26 AM Read more >

Sophia Buggs: Planting food knowledge — and produce — in the Valley

Sophia Buggs, owner of Lady Buggs Farm and a Mahoning Valley Food Access coordinator, is working to aid food access and education in the Valley.  She was nominated for the League of Women Voters of Greater Youngstown’s Women’s Hall of Fame for her efforts to revitalize the community. 

Mar 16, 2021 4:45 AM Read more >

Valley native paves his way with 'The Chris Gunther Show'

Chris Gunther of Youngstown grew up with the goal to be one of the biggest media personalities in the world. Now, he’s working to make that dream a reality with his own local, web-based interview show. 

Mar 2, 2021 4:45 AM Read more >

TEMA Roofing Services matches ‘Shop Local! Give Hope!’ donations

The first “Shop Local! Give Hope!” program delivered $500 each to Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley and the Salvation Army of Youngstown.

Feb 9, 2021 4:26 AM Read more >

Campbell man donates homemade wooden flags to law enforcement

Michael Skaleris normally uses his passion for woodworking to make handmade crafts and toys. He has shifted his focus to handcrafting wooden flags in support of local law enforcement and public service workers. 

Jan 26, 2021 4:52 AM Read more >

LaFrance Cleaners offers free cleaning for job interviews

Owner Stephen Weiss said the store has provided this service since the Great Recession in 2008. “We've been a part of the community for a long time, and it's something that we can do to help,” he said.

Jan 12, 2021 10:09 AM Read more >

The Federal hosts toy drive in former employee’s memory

The charity event, called “Merry Moh-Mas,” was in memory of former employee Mohammad Musleh, who died during summer 2019. It yielded hundreds of Christmas presents and more than $1,300 for local children in need last Friday. 

Dec 22, 2020 4:24 AM Read more >

East Palestine woman’s initiative aims to 'Share Coats'

Share Coats officially became a nonprofit organization in August, but Megan Wagner-Buckley said she and her family have collected coats since 2016 when East Palestine Middle School asked the public to donate coats for students. 

Dec 8, 2020 4:52 AM Read more >

Healthy Community Partnership director focuses on innovation to end disparities

Sarah Lowry, who grew up in Hubbard, spent almost six years working for U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown as a Northeast Ohio regional representative after graduating from Youngstown State University. She took on the partnership role in 2018. 

Nov 24, 2020 4:52 AM Read more >

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