Lending a Helping Hand(bag) With Purses For A Purpose, Inc

We are a nonprofit incorporated in the State of California, and are an IRS approved 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

EIN: 86-3914684

California Charity Registration No: 86-3914684

Purses For A Purpose, Inc. collects essential travel-sized toiletries and good-conditioned/gently used mid-sized purses to distribute to partnered homeless outreach organizations, women’s shelters, and refugee sites nationwide, and soon internationally.

Shayna Rutman is our Founder/CEO who started this organization in 2019 to remind every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances, they deserve the basic necessities of everyday life. It’s more than just giving toiletries to women in need- it’s about instilling and restoring a sense of dignity, beauty, confidence, and empowerment in those who have been stripped of it due to various unfortunate situations.

Purses For A Purpose Inc. provides an invaluable opportunity for community engagement that increases awareness of our nation's ever-growing homelessness crisis. Donors can repurpose their unused bags and spare toiletries while reflecting on the importance of daily luxuries and accessibility to essential items.

We have several branches nationwide:

We appreciate all donors supporting our organization and the wonderful organizations we have partnered with to lend a helping hand(bag).

Check out our work on our website!

If you have any questions about donating or volunteering, please email us at [email redacted]!

"Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time and always start with the person nearest you." - Mother Teresa