FARMINGTON — The Touch of Class Boutique/Thrift Stores in Farmington recently received the Program of the Year Award.

The Maine Association for Community Service Providers presented representatives from Work First Inc. with the award for the outstanding service that the Touch of Class offers the local community. Work First Inc. is a private, nonprofit organization that operates the Touch of Class Thrift Stores.

The stores were designed to offer an upscale shopping experience to the public with “thrift shop” prices. The boutique atmosphere was created to surround the shoppers and the workers with beauty, artwork and an atmosphere of a first-class working and shopping environment. The shops were created to offer work to individuals with intellectual disabilities, and also work to the general public in the Farmington and Jay area.

A volunteer program also creates opportunities to community members interested in donating time to their community. The Touch of Class operates three stores: in downtown Farmington, on Wilton Road in Farmington and in the Jay Plaza in Jay.

The award was sponsored by Cross Insurance and Brent Cross presented the plaque and prize to Work First Inc. representatives.

For more information on the Touch of Class Stores, visit www.workfirstinc.org, or call 778-3200, ext 22.