LL Bean donated $4 million to nonprofit groups last year

L.L. Bean may direct some of its financial support for national parks to restoration efforts following the federal shutdown. The Freeport, Maine, outdoor gear retailer announced Wednesday that it gave away $4 million last year in charitable donations, including $2.8 million through its new Outdoor Access Fund. Major beneficiaries include the National Park Foundation and the Trust for Public Land, both of which support public access to the outdoors. L.L. Bean said it has contacted the National Park Foundation, which helps maintain and restore national parks and also runs programs to introduce children to the parks, about directing some of its pledged amount for 2019 toward a park restoration fund.