CANTON -- After a complete renovation in March, the Best Western University Inn, 90 East Main St., donated 99 rooms worth of furniture and 40 rooms worth of carpeting to local organizations and families.

“Because of my longevity at the University Inn, I knew there were plenty of groups that could really use the donations,” said chief engineer Pete Ames, who has worked at the hotel for 31 years.

Since its construction in 1960, the Inn, which is owned by St. Lawrence University and flies the Best Western flag, has undergone various additions and upgrades, including a partial renovation in 2000 that reconditioned the furniture that was distributed this year.

Recipients of the donations from the most recent renovation – which included desks, dressers, lamps, televisions and more – expressed their gratitude in personal letters to Ames.

Executive director of the Ogdensburg Boys & Girls Club Thomas Luckie said that several chairs and tables were “a definite upgrade” that has provided more amenities “in our teen room, in our game room, for meetings and for spectators for events in the gym.” Luckie said the “B&G” Club has saved thousands of dollars and that they “appreciate the kindness and generosity of all those at the Best Western.”

Other groups that have benefited from the donation program include the Cerebral Palsy Association of the North Country, the Ogdensburg VFW and the United Helpers Mosaic organization, also of Ogdensburg.

Ames noted that as part of the renovations in this year’s project, new artwork throughout the Inn is “fabulous,” featuring the work of local photographers. Ames said he is thrilled to bring an even greater “touch of community” to the Canton landmark.