4828 W Emerald St, Boise, ID 83706

Fueled by Faith & Cherished Friends

How Your Donations Empower Survivors Across Idaho

When you donate to Purses With a Purpose, you’re not just giving away items — you’re helping women rebuild their lives. Every toothbrush, bottle of shampoo, and purse collected becomes a symbol of hope and a tool for empowerment.

Your contributions directly support women who are transitioning out of shelters, escaping domestic violence, or overcoming homelessness. Many of these women arrive at shelters with little more than the clothes they’re wearing. A simple purse filled with essentials can provide immediate relief and restore dignity.

We partner with organizations across Idaho to ensure every donation reaches those who need it most. These partnerships allow us to focus on direct impact, delivering purses monthly to local shelters and outreach centers.

The ripple effect of your donation goes far beyond one purse. It represents:

  • Confidence: A fresh start begins with feeling prepared and presentable.

  • Care: Hygiene items and personal touches remind women that they are valued.

  • Community: Each purse carries the support of dozens of people who care.

Your donations help survivors feel seen and supported in their journey to recovery. One recipient shared, “I didn’t just receive a purse; I received hope. Someone believed in me before I could believe in myself.”

Every dollar, every item, every volunteer hour adds up to create meaningful change. Together, we are breaking the cycle of isolation and replacing it with compassion and connection.

How You Can Help

Your contribution, big or small, creates a ripple effect of change. Here’s how you can get involved:

  • Donate – Every dollar helps us purchase supplies and fill more purses.

  • Give Supplies – Toiletries, feminine products, and new or gently used handbags are always in need.

  • Volunteer – From packing purses to organizing drives, there’s a place for everyone on our team.

  • Fundraise & Share – Spread the word and rally your community to support women in need.

Together, we can expand pathways to freedom, safety, and hope.

Our Mission, Your Questions

Purses With a Purpose is dedicated to restoring dignity and hope to women in need across our community. Through the collection and distribution of handbags filled with essential items, we provide comfort, encouragement, and a tangible reminder that every woman matters. Whether you’re donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, your involvement helps us uplift women facing hardship and remind them they’re not alone.

What is Purses With a Purpose?

Purses With a Purpose is a Boise-based nonprofit organization that collects new and gently used handbags filled with essential hygiene and comfort items. These purses are donated to women in shelters, transitional housing, and crisis situations throughout Idaho to bring a message of hope, dignity, and compassion.

How did the organization get started?

Founded by local community members who wanted to make a tangible difference for women in need, Purses With a Purpose began as a small grassroots effort. What started with a few friends collecting handbags has grown into a community-wide movement supported by volunteers, businesses, and donors across the Treasure Valley.

Who benefits from the purses?

Our purses are distributed to women and teens served by Idaho shelters, crisis centers, and nonprofit partners. Recipients include survivors of domestic violence, women experiencing homelessness, and those rebuilding their lives after hardship.

What kinds of items go inside the purses?

Each purse is filled with a mix of new or unopened essentials such as shampoo, deodorant, soap, lotion, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, socks, tissues, snacks, and encouraging notes or cards. Donors can also include small personal touches—like a journal or piece of jewelry—to make it special.

How can I donate?

You can donate new or gently used purses, individual hygiene items, or pre-filled purses. We host regular community collection drives and maintain drop-off locations throughout the Boise area. Monetary donations are also welcome and go directly toward purchasing supplies and supporting our outreach programs.

Can I volunteer with Purses With a Purpose?

Absolutely! Volunteers are the heart of what we do. You can help by collecting items, hosting a purse drive at your workplace or church, assembling purses at our community events, or helping with deliveries. Visit our “Get Involved” page to sign up for upcoming opportunities.