L.L.Bean recognized for $1.7M United Way donation

L.L.Bean received the United Way’s inaugural “United We Thrive Community Give Award” for contributing more than $1.7 million.

United Way said in a press release that the outdoor retailer’s actions “demonstrate excellence, creativity, and generosity.”

Freeport-based L.L.Bean, which has more than 5,000 employees in Maine, was the largest donor to United Way in Maine.

The corporation, which is family owned, donated more than $600,000, while employee contributions totaled another $1.1 million.

The gift will be used to support United Way’s vital work in education, financial stability, and the health of individuals and communities throughout the state of Maine.

“We’re fortunate to have an organization like United Way doing the incredible work they do to positively impact our communities and the lives of so many people in so many ways,” said Shawn Gorman, L.L.Bean’s executive chairman and United Way campaign cabinet member. “I’m not only proud of our contributions to United Way, but I am equally proud of all the employees who so generously gave to such a worthy and deserving organization. We are humbled by United Way’s recognition of the efforts of so many in the L.L.Bean organization.”

“Making this community stronger requires individuals and companies committed to giving back, leading by example, and getting hands-on in addressing the community’s challenges. L.L.Bean is a true role model for our community,” said Liz Cotter Schlax, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Portland.

In the past five years, L.L.Bean has donated over $6 million toward conservation and land stewardship. It has 34 stores in 16 states across the United States, along with 25 stores in Japan. The 220,000-square-foot L.L.Bean retail store campus in Freeport, is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and welcomes more than 3 million visitors every year.