I’m not going to talk about my cute [c/o] fringe kimono today.
Nor will I mention anything about my moonstone squash blossom necklace [similar] my husband gave me years ago that everyone always asks me about.
And I’m for sure not even going to share that these are
THE MOST COMFY SANDALS I HAVE EVER OWNED! #PinkySwear
No. Today I want to be serious and talk about how something like a brand-new tote/handbag/backpack can truly help out a homeless woman veteran ~ and a bag like mine is perfect for just exactly that.
You see, one of my dear girlfriends, Kyla, recently made me aware of Homeless Stand Downs – events that invite homeless women and homeless women veterans to help assess their need for jobs, health care, government assistance, help to navigate the VA system, transportation, child care and more. From Kyla, I also learned that many women veterans are living on the edge and often are homeless. Wow ~ I had no idea … and these are women who have served our country so that WE can enjoy the freedoms that we do.
And so this is why a new tote, large purse or regular sized backpack can really help a homeless women veteran out. Now, not just a tote/handbag/backpack ~ but one filled with items that these women really need and often cannot afford. Items such as:
.
brushes, combs, hair ties, bobby pins, barrettes
toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
soap, shampoo, hand sanitizers, deodorant
tampons, panty liners
small tissue packets
disposable razors
socks (winter and summer) *** or anything else you think would put a smile on their face and provide them with one less thing to worry about.
Kyla then went so far as to host what she called a Purse Brigade party at her home and local civilian women put together 77 stuffed bags!
Here are just a few. Well done, ladies!
.
So today’s post is my way of encouraging all of us to honor these women who have served ~ who NOW suddenly find themselves homeless ~ and to tell them Thank You! Perhaps hosting your own Purse Brigade might be in your future?
I loveee your necklace but I love your message even more. Excellent idea your friend came up with. Its important to take care of our veterans.
Wonderful charitable spirit, very good idea, good cause. How can you go wrong here???
Great post today. Love the kimono. Great idea
Anyone can look good – like you and Kyla always do – the difficult trick is to BE good and to DO good.
A blessing is my life has been to have great girlfriends who are all about making a difference.
Thankxx for reminding us that we can all make a difference if we try.
Thank you, everyone. I had the privilege of providing one of the 77 bags. I filled it with necessities, as well as items I thought would make my recipient feel special. 😊
👏🏼 one of my favs!!! Love everything about this post.
Jamie….you are gorgeous inside and out! Many of our veterans do need our help and this is a win-win idea! My mother organized Stand-down for the veteran’s here in Chicago for many years….and she volunteered my service on these occasions. She was very involved in the D.A.R. and was head of the Veterans Program in the State Chapter. I was not as involved with the D.A.R. unless asked by my mother, but did feel that Stand-Down was the best and greatest. So many homeless who needed dental, medical and other heath/emotional needs. They served our country and somehow got sidelined…due to a variety of reasons. Doctors, dentists,nurses and many others volunteered their services during these events. Care packages were organized…much like the one you described above, and clothes and coats by the truckload arrived for these veterans to “shop”. If you saw these men and women your heart would break as you know they served our country and then returned home only to fall through the cracks. More veterans than not, make a good transition into their lives after their service, but there are still too many that need our support. They are so appreciative! Thank you, Jamie….a Stand Alone post from a Stand Up woman! MWAH!
Thank you, Lisa, you make my heart warm. And thank you to your Mother!
Thank you very much for bringing this idea to your blog Jamie. I hope many of your followers will have their own Purse Brigade in their town to help our women veterans. We were stunned to receive 77! I always say that anyone would help a veteran if they just knew what to do. God bless the USA.
Thank YOU, Kyla! Terrific idea ❤️ and, of course, these can be held all over the country.
Thank you Jamie. Kyla’s idea is a win win…and hopefully your blog just upped the count.