SANFORD—York County Community Action Corporation was awarded $15,000 by the Leeward Landing Charitable Foundation, to be used for heating fuel assistance for residents in Maine’s southern communities.

The award, which was presented to YCCAC Outreach Workers Heather Roberge and Danielle Raitt, on Dec. 11,  will help ensure households at risk of insufficient heating fuel in winter will have a local resource to help with this critical need, said YCCAC spokesman Brad Bohon.

The Leeward Charitable Foundation operates thrift stores in Salisbury, Massachusetts and York,  donating the proceeds to about 20 charities in the region. The non-profit organization’s mission is to “recycle, reuse and renew for charity.”

Its website reads: “Our objective is to feed, clothe and comfort our neighbors in need. Through the generous donations of the community, The Leeward Charitable Foundation turns unwanted/surplus clothing, furniture and household items into funds for worthy local charities. We are a unique retailer, valuable recycler and sustainable source of critical funding for important local charities.”

Bohon said YCCAC is deeply appreciative of the gift and is the organization’s third from Leeward Landing Charitable Foundation in consecutive years. Last year ‘s $15,000 award was used for food and fuel assistance.