By Message Staff
Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in DeRidder and HIS Church in Pineville are collecting purses packed with toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, baby wipes, insect repellant, feminine hygiene products, brush, comb, shampoo, conditioner, hand sanitizer, lotion, lip balm or lipstick, $5, a personal note from the sender for women impacted by Hurricane Harvey.
Since posting the announcement on its Facebook page Wednesday night, Pleasant Hill Baptist has received inquiries from throughout the U.S. Organizer Susan Wilson said the post has reached more than 216,000 by this morning and expects that number to grow.
“A woman’s purse is where she keeps evidence of her life, similar to a man’s wallet but so much more,” Wilson said. “A purse not only holds ID and monetary cards but items used to care for herself and others like Kleenex, peppermint, clippers and toys, as well as precious things of life like pictures, tokens of love from others. We are trying to give them a small piece of normalcy back in their life and praying it gives them hope. ”
The church begins accepting the purses and contents this Sunday and will continue to do so until Sept. 10. They will soon determine exact locations for delivery.
Meanwhile, HIS Church is collecting the purses and contents until 5 pm today. Pastor Steve Speer said the effort reflects the giving heart of his congregation.
“I’m so proud of them,” he said. “I have challenged them to create a ministry and this certainly qualifies. We will continue looking for more opportunities to reach those in need.”
The church’s ministry — Shepherd’s PIE – will be headed South this weekend to minister to hurricane victims. Anyone interested in helping can contact Brad McGaha the leader of this ministry.
Windi Gallineau is heading up the Pack the Purse effort at HIS Church and the ladies of Shepherd’s PIE will distribute them to flood victims.
Anyone interested in donating to help buy food and bring relief can give a check to Shepherd’s PIE or His Church (designated to Shepherd’s PIE).
Each church should include:
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Deodorant
Baby wipes
New or used Bible
Insect repellent
Feminine hygiene products
Brush or comb
Shampoo
Conditioner
Lipstick
Lip balm
Hand sanitizer
Lotion
Personal note
Five dollars cash
