THE PURSE PROJECT: WOMEN HELPING OTHER WOMEN

WFWP Arizona Chapter with the bags from their Purse Project Campaign

The Arizona Chapter of WFWP has recently started a project called the Purse Project, in which participants gather and collect used purses filled with several essential items to give to homeless women. Rhia Clemente, chairwoman of WFWP Arizona, created and helped organize the project with the help of her friends, who were very inspired by her idea. One friend even introduced Rhia to a local radio announcer named Naye Olivera, who helped 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 group. She was very inspired to hear what Rhia and her team are doing since she is also very passionate about helping women. “When we do something for others, it creates more curiosity, more opportunities for everyone.”

The project started out as a Facebook picture that Rhia had seen. It illustrated a person giving out 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 19th, and since then, the chapter has collected used bags packed with necessities. Some of the items include 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 has not only brought good results in getting volunteers, but will also make an impact to those that it serves. One homeless woman was so touched to hear what Rhia and her group are doing, that she cried out of 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 and serve their local communities. The Purse Project is definitely a great way to serve those in need. All WFWP chapters can start a project that is similar to this project, 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.”