Sometimes the smallest gestures have the biggest impact. For many of us, a purse is simply something we grab on our way out the door — it holds our keys, wallet, and everyday items. But for women facing homelessness, abuse, or crisis, that same purse can hold something far more valuable: dignity, stability, and hope.
At Purses With a Purpose, we believe that hope can be carried. Every donated purse we receive becomes more than a bag — it becomes a message. It tells a woman in need, “You matter. You are seen. You are not alone.” That message can be the difference between giving up and taking the next brave step forward.
Each purse is lovingly packed by volunteers and community members who understand that compassion doesn’t have to be complicated. Inside every purse are essential hygiene items — shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, deodorant, feminine products, and more — all carefully chosen to meet immediate needs. But alongside those necessities, we include something equally powerful: handwritten notes of encouragement. These simple, heartfelt messages remind recipients that there are people who care, even if they’ve never met them.
Our program partners with shelters, crisis centers, and outreach organizations throughout Idaho to ensure every purse goes exactly where it’s needed. When we deliver these purses, we often see firsthand how something so simple can spark emotion. Tears, smiles, relief — all from a small act of kindness that says, “You’re not forgotten.”
Here’s what makes every Purses With a Purpose donation special:
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Every purse is filled with new hygiene items and small comforts
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Each one contains an encouraging note handwritten by a volunteer
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All donations are cleaned, organized, and distributed locally
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Partner shelters ensure they reach women in genuine need
It’s not just about the items — it’s about restoring confidence and showing compassion. Many women who receive a purse say it’s the first new thing they’ve had in months, sometimes years. That moment of receiving something that’s truly theirs can help rebuild self-worth and the courage to keep going.
When you donate a purse, you’re not just giving an object. You’re giving someone a moment of dignity, a sense of belonging, and a spark of hope to carry with them wherever they go.
