“We are thrilled that our first thrift store has been able to contribute so much in such a short period of time. I talk to the directors of these local food pantries and it’s clear that they need everything we can give them. We can still do more.” said Werner.
Leeward Industries opened the Leeward Landing charitable thrift store on Route 1 at the York/Kittery town line this past Valentine’s Day. They delivered their first donation checks to the York Community Food Pantry and the Footprints food pantry in Kittery on March 15th. Since then, Leeward has added the South Berwick Community Food Pantry, St Mary’s Ecumenical Food Pantry in Wells, the Stone Soup Food Pantry in Biddeford, and Ethel’s Tree of Life in Kittery to their list of recipients.
“I don’t think we could meet the increase in demand without Leeward’s monthly contribution. It’s a great feeling to know we will be able to buy enough quality food” said Barbara Fernald, Executive Director of the Footprints food pantry in Kittery.
Unlike many businesses in this economy, Leeward Landing has experienced an increase in sales and strong local support. “We operated under a few basic rules - our store must be neat, clean and well organized. Our prices must be lower than the larger thrift stores chains. We must treat the donations we receive as gifts and our customers should feel like welcomed guests.” explains Werner.
Werner also points out that due to the economy, cash donations to food pantries have fallen off. Nearly everyone however has clothes or a few household items they no longer use. Those items can be donated and reused by someone in need and the proceeds will benefit a local food pantry -“It’s really a rare case where everyone wins”.
About Leeward Industries, Inc.:
Leeward Industries, Inc is a 501c3 non-profit corporation operating chartable thrift stores in York, ME and Salisbury, MA. Leeward accepts donations of gently used clothes, furniture and household items from local residents and businesses. Donated items are processed and sold in the company’s retail stores and the proceeds help fund local charities such as food pantries.
For more information contact Rob Werner at 978-758-6456 or visit www.leewardindustries.org. To donate or volunteer stop by one of Leeward Industries’ stores; “Leeward Landing” # 4 Route 1 York, ME 207-361-4500 or ”Leeward Light”126 Bridge Rd Salisbury, MA 978-465-1141. The stores are opened from 9am-5pm every day.
# # #
Leeward Industries, Inc is a 501c3 non-profit corporation operating chartable thrift stores in York, ME and Salisbury, MA. Leeward accepts donations of gently used clothes, furniture and household items from local residents and businesses. Donated items are processed and sold in the company’s retail stores and the proceeds help fund local charities such as food pantries.
No comments:
Post a Comment