Yang Rohr Encourages Residents to Donate Stuffed Purses for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

NAPERVILLE, Ill. – State Rep. Janet Yang Rohr, D-Naperville and state Sen. Laura Ellman, D-Naperville, are encouraging residents to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month by donating new or gently used purses stuffed with new toiletries and personal hygiene supplies to support local abuse survivors.

“Domestic violence can occur in a lot of forms and many people don’t recognize it until it is too late, so we want to make the community aware of this great opportunity to support victims of domestic violence through these curated care packages,” Yang Rohr said. “Men, women, and children of all ages can become victims of domestic violence, so my hope is that this event not only provides needed resources for survivors of domestic violence but also makes the community more aware of how pervasive this problem is.” 

Yang Rohr and Ellman are collecting purses or handbags filled with needed toiletries and other resources for donation to Metropolitan Family Services and LovePurse. These organizations will distribute them to local people struggling with domestic violence and its effects. Possible items can include: feminine products, deodorant, hand sanitizer, toothpaste, face mask, shampoo and conditioner, and floss. Shaving razors are highly discouraged. 

“Experiencing domestic violence can lead to compounding issues that make healing from this traumatic event all the more difficult,” Ellman said. “By providing some everyday, essential items, we can help survivors in our community begin the healing process. I highly recommend our community shows their support for survivors and donate however they can.”

Purses will be collected throughout the month of October at the following locations: 

• Naperville Public Library – Nichols Library,  200 W Jefferson Ave., Naperville, IL 60540
• Naperville Public Library – 95th Street, 3015 Cedar Glade Drive, Naperville, IL 60564
• Naperville Public Library – Naper Boulevard, 2035 S Naper Blvd, Naperville, IL 60565
• Wheaton Public Library – 225 N. Cross St., Wheaton, IL 60187
• The Collective – 4724 Main St., Lisle, IL 60532