Cook County, IL – Hundreds of handbags filled with essential items, encouragement, and hope were distributed to domestic violence survivors across Cook County on Friday in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The initiative, led by the nonprofit organization Love Purse, aims to remind women in crisis that they are seen, heard, and valued.
The Initiative: Empowering Women One Purse at a Time
The Love Purse organization, founded in 2021 by Maria Castro, launched its latest donation event with a clear mission — to deliver compassion and support to women rebuilding their lives after abuse or homelessness.
“We’re putting love on the shoulders of women in need, one Love Purse at a time,” said Maria Castro, CEO and Founder of the organization.
The handbags, each brand new and filled with personal care essentials, are distributed to shelters supporting domestic violence survivors and homeless women throughout the region. Castro explained that her goal is to make sure every woman who receives a purse feels uplifted and reminded of her worth.
“[It’s for] any woman that’s in need of some love or just a reminder that she matters,” Castro told NBC 5. “At the end of the day, somebody is praying for her, thinking of her, and she’s going to be okay.”
Contents of the Handbags and Their Emotional Impact
Each Love Purse handbag is filled with practical and comforting items — shampoo, conditioner, lotion, combs, and other hygiene products. But perhaps the most powerful item inside is a handwritten note offering words of encouragement.
One note read:
“Your story isn’t over yet, you’re still writing it, and your strength is the ink! One day you’ll look back and see how far you’ve come and you’ll be proud.”
Castro said these messages often mean as much as the items themselves.
“Somebody is going to realize that they matter,” she said. “At the end of the day, after somebody tells them that, they’re going to believe it.”
Community Partnerships and Support
Love Purse has partnered with the Cook County Clerk’s Office for four consecutive years to host the donation drive. Clerk Monica Gordon praised the program’s impact during this year’s event.
“Domestic violence numbers are up in Cook County, so this is very important,” Gordon said. “We want to make sure these women feel seen and heard, and let them know that they matter. We hear them. We value them.”
The handbags are distributed to several local organizations and shelters, including WINGS, A Safe Haven, and Deborah’s Place, among others. These groups provide emergency housing, counseling, and job resources for women escaping abusive situations.
Background: Love Purse’s Growing Reach
Since its founding in 2021, Love Purse has expanded far beyond Chicago, donating nearly 20,000 purses across 10 countries and 14 cities. What began as a small pandemic-era project has become a global movement of compassion and advocacy for women in need.
Castro said she started the organization after noticing how many women were suffering in silence during the pandemic, when isolation and domestic violence cases were on the rise.
“You never know what that little ripple effect will have—just one act of kindness,” she said. “What’s in that purse is not just a purse, it’s a beginning and a new journey.”
Ongoing Efforts and Future Goals
The organization plans to continue expanding its reach through partnerships with local government offices, nonprofits, and community groups. Volunteers regularly gather to assemble the handbags, write personal notes, and deliver them to shelters across the state.
Love Purse’s mission remains simple but powerful — to spread love and restore dignity to women who need it most. The initiative continues to grow each year, inspiring new supporters to get involved and share in the message of kindness.
Conclusion
Through hundreds of donated handbags, Love Purse is doing more than meeting basic needs — it’s helping women rediscover their strength, self-worth, and hope. As Castro puts it, every purse represents a reminder that love and community can rebuild even the most broken spirits.
What are your thoughts on this inspiring initiative? Share your opinions in the comments below.
