Passion for Compassion
By Sandy Balayan
June 2025
On the border of Otis and Blandford one can find a very special place. K’s Kloset started out in the trunk of Karen Yvon’s car. Since 2000, her car and garage have been filled with clothing and small household items that Karen magically connects to the right person in need. Karen found her calling as she began volunteering at clothing drives and would just end up keeping whatever didn’t get claimed. Slowly, her cache of items grew and grew and she felt she could find uses for discarded things that would be more meaningful than being dumped at a landfill.
Realizing she had found a niche for herself, she went full on and converted an area of her house to a shop, and weekly greets people in need who come to “shop” in her “Kloset.” People can call her for an appointment to come to the shop or can call if they are looking for something specific. Karen will seek out the items and hopefully find the right person for each.
This writer has experienced Karen’s magical touch personally. I had a washer and dryer in good working order to donate and I called Karen. Within a few days, a young couple arrived with a truck and took the washer and dryer. My heart swelled when I was told by the young wife that she has never had her own washer and dryer. Karen arranged this for me. “I like to find homes for things … and help people make their house into a home. I have met so many people and made so many connections through this work,” says Karen.
Now what would be the perfect part-time job for Karen, something that her generous soul can embrace? She is now the new director of the Otis Council on Aging (COA). Along with her right hand, outreach coordinator Kendra Rybacki, she provides a safe and carefree space where anyone is welcome, although most people using this town service are over 60.
The COA center in town hall is open Monday and Wednesday from
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and there are plenty of activities and services like blood pressure clinics, haircuts, strength and balance classes, etc. Events are scheduled outside the center, such as restaurant trips, a three-day trip to Pennsylvania Dutch Country or day trips to the Newport Playhouse, a Neil Diamond tribute show, among others. And, of course at the center, there are jigsaw puzzles, arts and crafts, bingo, cards and an atmosphere of friendliness and warmth that Karen and Kendra foster with their winning personalities and compassion.
Karen always welcomes ideas from her COA participants and will try anything. “The change of scenery and contact with others is a win-win. The COA battles loneliness and provides a fun environment for our elder community.
"I enjoy my job so much and so appreciate the people I have met,” Karen said.
Between K’s Kloset, the COA and her family, Karen is a busy woman but she wouldn’t have it any other way. To reach her at the COA, call (413) 269-0100 x5 or email her at seniorsotisma@gmail.com. To donate to K’s Kloset, call Karen at (413) 237-3277. If you are in need, also use the K’s Kloset phone number. Karen will do her utmost to help anyone in need, anytime. Thank you Karen for your amazing service to this area. You are very special indeed.
