Columbus Albany State Alumni Chapter holds ‘Purses with a Purpose’ initiative

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - The Columbus Chapter for Albany State University (ASU) Alumni spread the love this Valentine’s Day by collecting purses and toiletries for women in need.

‘Purses with a Purpose’ began in 2021 to help women who are escaping domestic violence.

ASU alums collected necessities like soap, lotion and shampoo, placed the items into a purse, and delivered them to the women.

News Leader 9 was on for the delivery efforts and spoke with some organizers about why they decided to begin this initiative.

“Well, today we are delivering purses filled with toiletries for survivors of domestic violence to deliver to Hope Harbor. We started this initiative in 2021, and we delivered our first purses in February of last year. So it’s our way of showing love to the ladies on Valentine’s Day women who are in need,” said Hope Harbor’s Shelter Director, Tabitha Marion. “Just for people just to go out of their way to contribute to Hope Harbor- it makes a big difference to some of the ladies that come to the shelter having nothing at all.. and it also brightens their day to see a purse and see items in a purse that we’re not able to get them. So, it’s an awesome thing.”

The delivery happened at Rose Hill Baptist Church, 2100 Hamilton Road.

All donations went to the Columbus Alliance of Batter Women for survivors of domestic violence who may have left their homes to escape abuse, leaving them without essential items.

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