There’s a special place in Dan Santon’s heart for young people who give back to the community. And one Mahoning Valley organization doing just that is giving back to Santon in the form of gratitude for his support.
The founder of Boo Squad, Heather Hrina Medvec, nominated Santon for the WYTV Hometown Hero award. He was presented with a plaque on November 12 at Santon Electric, the company he started in 1975.
“When you’re blessed the way I was, I think the Lord says, ‘you need to reciprocate’, and that’s what I do. Makes me feel good,” Santon said.
Growing a mission of compassion
Medvec formed the Boo Squad in 2015 to teach kids ages 7-15 the value of teamwork, compassion and volunteerism. One of the group’s biggest missions is a Thanksgiving food drive to feed families in need across the Mahoning Valley.
Santon first heard Medvec’s story on the national news a few years ago and was inspired to get involved.
“This is a passion of mine that keeps me going. I think of it all the time – how can I help?”
As a donor and advocate, he uses his ties to the NECA-IBEW Electricians to support the Boo Squad. This year, the Youngstown and Warren LMCCs donated $2,500 – continuing the tradition of giving to the food drive.
“The committee saw my passion and backed it wholeheartedly. I’m grateful for their support.”
Santon has helped grow the Boo Squad’s reach by calling his contacts and customers to pitch in.
“Heather’s thrilled to feed 350 families this year. It’s incredible to see how far we’ve come.”
Community connections inspire generosity
About a dozen families were served during the first drive in 2017. Medvec also feels the impact beyond the donations.
“We’re so grateful for Dan. He’s connected me with community leaders who can help the Boo Squad by giving advice, teaching us more about philanthropy and volunteering in the community,” she said.
Santon’s sense of duty and values go back to his time in the Army, where he served in Korea. The discipline and teamwork he learned there shaped his career as an electrician and his dedication to serving others.
He even credits his daughter for fueling his passion for charity years ago.
“She inspired me, when at a young age, she wanted to spend her Christmas savings on gifts for her siblings. That generosity stayed with me.”
Santon has a philosophy for the network of connections surrounding him.
“Life evolves into little families – the team at Santon Electric, the NECA-IBEW Electricians and now the Boo Squad volunteers. These connections give life purpose.”
Building on the Boo Squad impact
Medvec also recently launched the Boo U mentorship program for high school students.
Teens selected for the program will mentor younger volunteers, get to hear from local professionals, learn skills like resume building, interviewing, leadership and money management.
“Heather’s ensuring the Boo Squad’s impact lasts far into the future,” Santon said.
He plans to assist with that initiative, too. In the meantime, Santon continues to push the group’s mission.
“If this could spread around to other areas, I’m sure other people would like to do something similar.”
Santon Electric is a member contractor of NECA-IBEW Electricians, an association consisting of IBEW Local 64 in Youngstown, IBEW Local 573 in Warren and signatory electrical contractors throughout the Mahoning Valley.