York, Me – Leeward Industries, Inc. opened its first charitable thrift store “Leeward Landing” along route 1 at the York/Kittery town line on Valentine’s Day. Despite several snow storms, the new thrift store has seen strong traffic from bargain hunters as well as families trying to make ends meet. Due to Leeward Landing’s early success, Leeward Industries, Inc. was able to donate over $2,000 to local food pantries after just 30 days of operations. “We are very pleased to be able to make a contribution of this size so soon…generous donors and dedicated volunteers have been the key to our early success,” explains Robert Werner, President, Leeward Industries, Inc.
Leeward Industries, Inc. accepts and collects donations of reusable clothes, household items and furniture from individuals, estates and businesses. A team of volunteers inspects, sorts, prices and displays donations as merchandise in their 2500 square foot store -”Leeward Landing”. Customers can then purchase items at a fraction of their retail price. “This is a great store, their merchandise is good, their prices are incredible and the store is clean and nicely decorated…. I stop in quite often, you never know what you’ll find,” explains Leeward customer, Mary Anne Poore.
With unemployment rising and the number of financially struggling families growing, Leeward Industries’ contribution comes at a critical time for local charities. This donation will help the York Community Food Pantry, as well as, Kittery’s Footprints and Ethel’s Tree of Life food pantries. “We have received such great support from local residents, it’s important to them that their donations be used by area families and the proceeds benefit York County charities,” said Mr. Werner. Leeward’


