The Pink Feather Foundation has moved into a new location — one that it owns — where it can continue its 15-year mission of improving the lives of youth in need with free, custom-ordered clothing, the organization said.

It is in a new 4,800-square-foot building situated at 65 King St. in Oxford. With no disruptions requiring volunteers to pack up and move at any time, founder and Vice President Jen Kyllonen said she is excited to channel new energy into the organization’s services.

“Our operations will run the same as before,” she said. “We just don’t have to worry about moving again! We aren’t fancy, just efficient. It does not cost a lot for us to operate.

“The first priority is to restock. Then we’ll work on some new projects we have in mind, such as expanding our prom project.”

Two years ago, Pink Feather learned the warehouse it had been leasing on Aldrich Avenue in Norway had been sold and would be redeveloped. The property is home to VIP Tires and Service.

Although Kyllonen and the board directors acknowledged the possibility that losing the warehouse could mean ending services by the end of 2024, they also began the search for a new home.

The alternative they found was not ideal, but Kyllonen pulled it off, moving all of the inventory and distribution to a much smaller space at 85 Pleasant St. in Oxford, the town’s former municipal offices.

The limitations meant much less help. Working from the top floor at the Pleasant Street building, she was able to “continue to fill orders but unable to keep our inventory replenished,” she said.

“It was cold, but every package that went out kept me going,” Kyllonen said. “The need is high and we are so proud of this program and what it has grown into.

“In Norway, we learned and grew into the space there. Our program ran really well in that building. Our forever home (on King Street, Oxford) has the same square footage.”

Kyllonen and Joni Gordon, an Oxford Hills educator, founded Pink Feather Foundation in 2011 and worked out of Gordon’s living room.

“Then we moved into my garage,” Kyllonen said. “And then the mall suite by the dollar store. Next we were at the old National Wood Products space on Main Street in Oxford, before landing in the Norway space then owned by Bancroft Contracting.”

After a cramped 18-month stay at Oxford’s old town office, the final, seventh move brought the organization to its permanent home on King Street.

“We own this building,” Kyllonen said. “The land was gifted to us, and with the generosity of many local contractors and suppliers, our final fundraising goal to pay off our loan is $125,000.”

Though many of their supporters sought to remain anonymous, Kyllonen recognized Maine Line Plumbing, Flanders Electric, Bancroft Contracting, Northeast Bank, Charles R. Lane Jr., VIP, Norway Savings Bank and others as having contributed.

The building lot was donated to Pink Feather Foundation by Floyd and Paula Thayer, of Oxford. The couple’s support goes back to the organization’s early days, and Paula Thayer serves as secretary on the board of directors.

Pink Feather Foundation assists children who attend school in Maine School Administrative District 17 based in Paris and Regional School Unit 16 based in Poland. 

Teachers in those districts act as registered liaisons for students they confidentially identify as clients and facilitate online shopping and ordering for them. Students can renew their allowance on an annual basis.

“There is a real bond between our volunteers and recipients,” Kyllonen said. “We are so excited to welcome our volunteers back to work with us. And of course we always need more and there are so many opportunities for people to help.

“Each one is important, whether they can give an hour or an entire day. It’s the rewards, friendships and memories that we are all here for.”

Visit Pink Feather Foundation’s website to learn about ways to volunteer or support its mission to improve the lives of youth through clothing and accessories.

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