Pivotal Point Transitional Housing receives large donation of household decorations from Kirkland’s

By: Noel Hardin

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — When the Kirkland’s store announced it was closing, many residents felt the loss of a favorite home decor retailer.

But for one local nonprofit, Pivotal Point, the closure became an unexpected blessing, as the store donated enough items to fill a 16-foot truck with pictures, pillows, wall art, and decorative items that will help turn apartments into homes for people in need.

Rick Lipira, executive director of the organization, which operates 21 adult apartments and 12 youth apartments in the community, learned about the potential donation through a supporter.

He reached out and found the staff “wonderful” and willing to give whatever remained after the store’s final sale.

“We rented a truck, had about 10 people, and all morning long we loaded up pictures, wall decorations, pillows, you name it,” Lipira said. “It was cold and windy, but everyone was all hands on deck.”

The donation comes at a pivotal time for the nonprofit, which focuses on providing housing and support for individuals and families overcoming homelessness.

For Lipira, the value goes far beyond the items themselves.

“We want these apartments to be their home, more than just a place to stay,” he explained. “Many of these folks have been given up on. We want them to walk into something that takes their breath away, that pours value back into who they are.”

Patty Lashbrook, the communications coordinator for the organization, echoed that sentiment.

She emphasized that creating a sense of belonging is central to their mission.

“It’s one thing to just live in a place, and it’s something else entirely to feel like you belong there,” Lashbrook said. “These people have been downcast, pushed aside. To give them a place that feels nice, with modern decorations, it makes you feel different. We decorate our homes because it makes us feel different. It’s no different for them.”

The Kirkland’s donation was especially meaningful because, as a corporation, they could have easily transferred unsold inventory to another location.

Instead, they chose to give back locally.

“They could have packed it all up and driven it to another store to sell,” Lashbrook noted. “That they intentionally chose to donate to the community, that’s a really beautiful act.”

Now, the team is sorting through the donated items, which range from framed inspirational sayings to decorative accents, and carefully matching them to the aesthetics of each apartment.

The goal is to be intentional, not just placing items randomly, but creating cohesive, comforting spaces.

While some duplicates may eventually make their way to the organization’s thrift store, the priority is ensuring every resident benefits from the gift.

“Our first intention is to use these items for our apartments and our youth home,” Lashbrook said. “It’s about making spaces that feel like home.”

For Lipira, the donation reflects a meaningful cycle of community support.

“We give folks a hand up, not a handout,” he said. “When the community sees what we do and gives back, it’s a tremendous blessing.”

More information on Pivotal Point can be found here.