Purses packed with essentials bring joy

In 2015, Val Ditore thought a little project to support women at the Mary's Place Women’s Day Center would provide some solace and keep her busy after the loss of her husband. She had recently moved from Seattle to Spokane and was looking for ways to stay connected to her Seattle community. Doing a drive for essential items for Mary’s Place felt like a good fit. Little did she know that nearly a decade later, she and her circle of friends and family would contribute more than 100 purses and backpacks annually, stuffed with essentials and feel-good items for women who visit the Day Center, a drop-in center for women in downtown Seattle. In total, Val’s efforts have provided 857 purses, each filled with at least 25 items that includes warm socks, soap, oral care products, masks during the pandemic, hand sanitizer, hair items including shampoo, conditioner, combs/brushes, hair ties, and deodorant.

“We’re flexible and respond to what they want and need. Each year I sit down with staff and some of the women at the Day Center and ask them what they need. What kind of purse is best? Is there a certain item they don’t find useful and another they could really use? By doing this, we added items such as small mirrors, razors, and nail clippers, but also started collecting jewelry for their Valentines’ Day event and underwear because the Day Center can always use more. We’ve done our best to meet their needs and it’s been so much fun and so rewarding,” Val said.

The drive has become a family project that is top of mind all year long. “My daughter-in-law will call me when she’s out shopping to let me know that she’s spotted a great sale on backpacks. I tell her to buy them all! We can fill them!” Val said.

The purses and backpacks are distributed each Valentine’s Day. Affia Simon, Women’s Day Center Site Director, says Val’s efforts have brought joy to the guests. That inventory allows the Day Center guests to access staple items like warm socks, feminine hygiene products, and snacks throughout the year.

“Val’s efforts make a tremendous difference for women at the Day Center. Simple things like a mirror, lotion, make-up, or new socks are uplifting necessities that provide dignity and build confidence,” Affia says.

Val is kicking off the 2025 drive soon, aiming for another successful year of gathering items for our guests. “It’s my honor to be able to pull this together,” Val said.