The Purse Project: Women Helping Other Women
Contributed by Sarah Falconi
For members of WFWP Arizona, even a small purse carries a lot of love.>
The Arizona chapter of Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) recently started a project called the Purse Project, in which participants collect used handbags, fill them with several essential items and give them to homeless women. Rhia Clemente, chair of WFWP Arizona, created and helped organize the project with the help of her friends, who were inspired by her idea. One friend even introduced Rhia to a local radio announcer named Naye Olivera, who spread news of the project to her listeners through announcements on her women’s radio station. Ms. Olivera also collected bags from her personal friends to support the WFWP project. She was very inspired to hear what Rhia and her team were doing, as she is also passionate about helping women. “When we do something for others, it creates more curiosity, more opportunities for everyone,” she said.
The project started out as a Facebook picture that Rhia had seen. It illustrated a person giving a handbag to a homeless woman. It was posted on Thanksgiving and immediately encouraged her to do the same. Together with her WFWP chapter, Rhia started planning over the months of December and January. The project was officially inaugurated on January 19, and since then, the chapter has collected used bags packed with necessities. Some of the items are toothpaste, toothbrushes, socks, deodorant, granola bars, and money. As of this week, the group has collected more than 25 bags, which will be sent to a community home called Maggie’s Place by March 12, in honor of Women’s History Month.
Rhia explained that this project not only has brought good results in getting volunteers but also will make an impact on those that it serves. One homeless woman was so touched to hear what Rhia and her group are doing, she cried from happiness. If the WFWP Arizona chapter can inspire the people that they work with and serve, then so can anyone else.
Women’s Federation for World Peace continually encourages all the chapters to contribute to and serve their local communities. The Purse Project is a great way to serve those in need. All WFWP chapters can start similar projects, such as giving a gift box full of toys and books to children in shelter homes. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve.”
Mary
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I would love to donate my purses for this great cause. Where can I drop them off or can they be picked up.
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Zahra
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I did not realize the Purse Project name and idea was part of an organization. I loved the idea and last January stared collecting used purses from friends and clients and began filling them with sanitary products and personal hygiene products I bought myself or friends donated. I have been taking these purses to different churches and outreach programs in my community of Yuba City California who hand them out to women in need in our community and I called it Purse Project Woman Helping Woman, unaware of your organization. I have donated approximately 200 purses to date. I am writing to see if I can use the name Purse Project or is it only yours? Thank you Zahra of Yuba City California
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Muriel De Goeij
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Great project! Very inspiring! Thank you Arizona WFWP!
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R.Williams
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Beautiful project. Something else to possibly add: a few generic cards or paper with envelopes, a pen and some postage stamps.
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veseuako kamutuezu
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I am Lady, 34year old I am in Namibia I looking for help I sewing but I don’t have enough machine
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