NSB Donates $10,000 to Pink Feather Foundation’s Forever Home Project

SOUTH PARIS—Working with teachers to provide clothing and accessories to students in need has made the Pink Feather Foundation an invaluable part of MSAD #17 and RSU #16.

“The organization was founded on the belief that fulfilling these basic needs at no cost would immediately improve students’ lives and allow them to be prepared to achieve their full potential,” said Dan Walsh, President and CEO of Norway Savings Bank. “It’s safe to say that the Pink Feather Foundation has accomplished that and more.”

The process is simple, but the impact is great. Teachers contact Pink Feather and are granted access to a shopping portal where they can explore items with a student in need from donations of new and like-new items donated by generous individuals. The student’s clothing is then delivered to their school’s main office.

“When kids are confident, they are prepared to try new things, realize new opportunities, and discover new passions,” said Kyllonen.

Walsh was proud to deliver a $10,000 check to the Foundation recently (picture, caption below) to support its newest mission: providing the 14-year-old organization with a permanent location.

“We’ve always operated from donated or rented spaces. In the last seven years, we’ve moved six times due to various reasons,” said Jen Kyllonen, co-founder of the Pink Feather Foundation. “Each move requires us to put our services on hold as we settle into a new space. In our most recent move last fall, we secured a temporary space that allows for storage and packaging, but limits the full operation of our program.”

Establishing a “forever home” for the organization would allow for Pink Feather to expand its reach. The new building will be built on land graciously donated by Paula Thayer, a Pink Feather board member, and her husband, Floyd, owners of Big Rig Shop in Oxford. Eric Hallee, owner of Eco-Pro Construction in Harrison, has donated his project management services to the effort.

Every member of the Foundation’s board has committed to making a financial contribution to the building fund, but donations from community businesses and individuals will help get the project over the top.

“We are so grateful to have the support of Norway Savings Bank,” said Kyllonen. “We can’t wait to see the dream of our ‘forever home’ come to life!”

Public fundraising efforts are starting soon, with organizers happy to welcome donations of any size, including in-kind materials and services. For more information about the ways you can assist and the latest updates on the project, visit the foundation’s website at www.pinkfeatherfoundation.org.

Pictured (L to R): Pink Feather board members Heath Poland, Chris Delamater, and Paula Thayer; Jen Kyllonen, Pink Feather co-founder; Pink Feather board member Mark Bancroft; Norway Savings Bank President and CEO Dan Walsh; Joni Gordon, Pink Feather co-founder; and Pink Feather board member, Marc Hallee.