April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and the Michigan State Police (MSP) Women Leading Change group has initiated an effort to help women in domestic violence situations.

In many cases, women who need to leave abusive situations suddenly don’t have time to pack personal belongings. For that reason, “Purses with a Purpose” intends to gather purses and tote bags filled with essentials that will be distributed by the MSP Women Leading Change to local domestic violence shelters in our community.

You can participate by dropping off a purse or a tote bag filled with some of the items listed below in the bins marked “Purses with a Purpose” in the bin cabinet at the north end of the church. If you don’t have a purse or tote bag, no problem. The MSP Women have bags to fill. Just drop off some of the items, and we’ll fill the purses.

Some of the items to be collected are: socks, toiletries, candy, mints, toothbrush and toothpaste, hand sanitizer, razors, face masks, mini tissue packs, cell phone charger, tampons, pads, crackers with peanut butter/cheese, etc. What would you appreciate having in the situation these women are in? Use your imagination!