There’s a church in my neighborhood that I pass nearly every day when I walk my dog. It’s a pretty church with long, thick white columns. The congregants seem nice enough, too, as they don’t speed out of the parking lot in my quiet neighborhood on Sundays or when the Boy Scouts are having their meetings. All in all, I like this church. This building. There is a sign out front that poses a question to all passersby:
This sign has bothered me ever since I’ve read it. But this isn’t a post about the passive-aggressive message contained within. In fact, I could very well answer the question with the fact that I’ve used my powers for good once before and was overwhelmed with the compassion of friends and regular readers of this blog. (For those who don’t know the story, I offered to donate a dollar for each comment I got on a post about three students who wouldn’t have had a Christmas and readers responded with generous hearts and selfless motives until we reached over $1,000 for which to buy gifts for them. The story still chokes me up when I think about it and it’s all I can do not to blame it on hormones.)
Are you ready for a strange segue? Here goes…
SO! My school has been in the news a lot lately and it’s nothing short of fifty shades of SUCK. It’s no secret that the media beat us up and I already work at the district step-child high school. It’s also no secret (to readers of Mocha Momma) that I adore my co-workers and students and go into work every day to the hardest, most unappreciated job in the world. Some days call for me to take the hit that I don’t deserve. Other days I am challenged by those I work with one second only to be in a position to defend them passionately in the next. Right now I refuse to even link to those stories and I never read the online comments to newspaper stories because then I feel the need to apologize on behalf of all educators who have left those people behind. WE’RE SORRY YOU DON’T KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN “YOUR” AND “YOU’RE” OR “PRINCIPAL” AND “PRINCIPLE.”
That’s about as much as I can say about work-related stuff without getting into trouble. I have a deficiency in the area of shutting-the-heck-up-when-I-should. There’s not a pill or anything that works to make that better.
As I walk into work each day the poverty of my schools’ students is never lost on me. Yet, I watch some of these students who come from more than difficult home lives continually come to school where they want to learn. Even more impressive is that they come to school and help with blood drives, canned food collections, and other community service events even when they themselves are in need. It is not lost on me that they are themselves inspiring to the adults who gladly work with them. In a million years I didn’t expect to have a career that I loved this much. The things I get to witness and the growing I get to watch astounds me.
Recently, because of a response to the media trashing us, we are hitting hard on some things in our school. Students have never been allowed to carry backpacks, but the issue that keeps coming up are the girls’ purses. Hey, I’m as fashion forward as the next gal so I know that big purses are here to stay. When my male students complain that girls get to even carry purses I remind them, gently, that as soon as they have to carry around tampons and Midol this won’t be an issue.
Some of the biggest complainers have come to see me in my office or caught me in the hallway or a classroom:
Why can’t we carry big purses? I saved up $50 to buy this and it’s the only one I have! I can’t buy another one.
This is stupid! I’m a good girl. Why are we always getting punished?
Who even SELLS small purses? Everything in the stores is big.
These girls are right. They’re also pretty whiny when they come talk to me so I decided to take something ugly and turn it in to something pretty. I asked seven girls to help me coordinate a Purse Drive for school and I’m using my blog to spread the word.
Do you have an old, small purse you’d be willing to donate?
Can you purchase a small purse that we can use for our Purse Drive?
My intention is to take all donations and sell them for the set price of $5 for any girl who wants to come to the Purse Shop I’m setting up in school and then give the money to the school. My seven girls will help me set it up, arrange the purses for display, collect the money, and do a really good thing. A small thing, but a good thing nonetheless.
Here’s what I was wondering: can you help? More details on where to send purses coming soon. Maybe a widget! A button for your blog! But most importantly, you get that really good feeling of doing some good in the world and showing compassion to a bunch of teenage girls you don’t even know.
UPDATE on November 8, 2009: Yes, the purse drive is still going strong. Perhaps I should have mentioned that there are nearly 700 girls in my school and we’d love to see this as a sustainable project. So, if you’ve been meaning to send purses and haven’t done it yet, please consider doing so. We are grateful for any and all donations.
October 14, 2009 @ 9:13 am | Filed under If I Had A Million Dollars, Inspiration, Nice, One Small Purse, One Small Thing | Permalink | Comments (100)
Darla sez Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 9:34 am
Hi, I have a couple little ones I do not need any longer, one is brand new! Let me know how to get them to you, and I will do it!!!!! Darla
Catherine Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 9:42 am
Given that I’m sure I’m not the only non-US resident reading this… and given that my choice in purses might not be to the taste of the intended recipients… how best to help? Send money to a Paypal account so some could be bought? Buy from an online store and have it shipped to a suitable address? Something else?
Sandy Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 9:43 am
Hola!,
I don’t have any small purses on hand but I would be happy to purchase a few and send them to you (I have an online store so I can purchase a few styles wholesale). What a great idea!
Sandy
Christina Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 9:54 am
I am a lurker who reads yoru blog often and this purse drive is such a great idea. I was in my closet last night and I have tons of purses that I have been wanting to get rid of. So I look forward to the guidelines and I will be sure to send in what fits the criteria.
Amelia Sprout Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 10:06 am
Count me in. I will see what I can drag up out of the basement (I had a problem once, called small pursitis) and I may even be able to make something fun, with skulls or something hardcore on it.
Jaelithe Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 10:10 am
I think this is a really cool idea. Great way to help girls and raise money for the school at the same time. But.
What about the girls who don’t even have $5?
I ask because at times during my school career, I would have been one of those. There were times when my family could not even afford to buy me paper. I would run out of paper and not be able to get more for a couple of weeks or a whole month. So I could not take notes, and if there was a pop quiz in class, I would frantically erase some old homework or something so that I would have something to write on.
(This did teach me to hold questions in my head long after they were asked, and to do my work twice as fast as the kids who could always afford paper.)
So, I guess I’m saying: if you know a girl at that school who doesn’t even have five dollars, let me know and I will send you a purse to give especially to her, on the sly.
(And I’ll throw in some paper.)
Caffeinated Librarian Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 10:36 am
So…how “small” is “small?” I think I have a few that would fit the bill, but I need specifics, ma’am.
Belle Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 11:07 am
I have a giant box somewhere in a closet of purses that I haven’t used in a while! Seeing as some of them are really old and made before BIG purses were so in style, I’m betting I have at least a couple that will suffice. I’d love to help.
I’m not technologically-savvy enough to make a button or anything for my blog, but would LOVE to put one up if one is made… so let me know. Looking forward to details on where to send them! Oh, and exactly what counts as small?
Meg Evans Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 11:23 am
What a fantastic idea! What dimensions are we talking? I’m sure I have some small-ish purses in my closet (I’ve learned that I carry more crap when the purse is bigger, so I try to keep them on the small side). I’ll spread the word!
she Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 11:23 am
i’d definitely help. like everyone else, i have a box of mostly new purses i’ll never use again.
Lu Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 11:45 am
YES!! I have some purses at home and so does my daughter. We would be glad to help donate.
Yolanda Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 12:26 pm
Let’s do this. I don’t have purses, but I know lots of people who have too many. And both sides of my family (all 200+ relatives) are from Chicago and most were/are the impoverished, struggling, problem-filled students you work with every day. How could I *not* want to help?
*lynne* Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 12:39 pm
I am the epitome of fashion and purses – NOT! Seriously, for one thing I call them handbags; for another, the only semi-fashionable/decent one I ever had was a leather backpack styled thing which broke, is now fixed but waiting for me in Switzerland! I’ve been making do with a 13-year old fanny pack… yes you read that right. Oh yeah. That’s me!
So, umm, this is the long way of saying I don’t have any physical purses to donate, but I’d be happy to throw a note or two your way to help out your girls. Looking forward to details, either here or ‘live’ over Bloody Marys *grin!*
Tweets that mention Mocha Momma » One Small Thing. One Small Purse. -- Topsy.com Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 12:45 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Scott Troehler and JSpaghetti, lynne naranek. lynne naranek said: Do you have unused small purses? How about donating them to @mochamomma's cause? http://tinyurl.com/tinypurse [LOVE the tinyurl!] #fb [...]
Tara SG Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 12:51 pm
I graduated from your school a few years ago (ok more than a few… but I’m allowed to be in denial about my age…). It was around Columbine and metal detectors and no backpacks became the rule. I always thought it was odd that girls were allowed to carry huge purses… The point I’m trying to make is that as a proud alumni I would LOVE to help with this! I have a few smaller purses that I’ve barely if ever used that I could part with
Kara Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 1:15 pm
Also wondering how small is small. I’m sure I can dig up a couple in my stash.
Lynette Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 1:21 pm
I’m going to go home & take a look. I’ll betcha that I’ve got at least ONE cute little purse.
Cassandra Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 1:32 pm
I think I have one or two that fit the bill, what’s the size requirement/restriction?
Busy Mom Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 1:37 pm
I’m in. Just say the word, approximate dimensions and where to send!
Angella Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 1:48 pm
You figure out the deets (where to send them, etc.) and I will pimp it any way I can. I also have some purses to send your way.
You have a heart that’s even bigger than your smile, Kelly. I love you for it.
Mocha Momma Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 4:26 pm
Just a few answers to some questions:
Catherine’s idea of a PayPal is awesome and I’ll set it up for foreign-currency as well. MANY thanks for that suggestion!
Jaelithe’s suggestion is amazing as well and I will see to it that the needier girls get something. I already have a few in mind who could really use the help so fear not! She will love whatever paper you can also provide.
Size requirements: our rule is no bigger than a piece of paper. So 8.5 x 11 is the thing to match. It’s a super easy way for everyone to measure against as well.
Already the response is overwhelming. I can’t wait to see what WE CAN DO!
Motherhood Uncensored Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 4:30 pm
This is so great. Will look through my stash that needs to be cleared out for sure.
Mommela Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 4:37 pm
L-O-V-E it! Count me in. Just let us know what defines “small purse” these days, ‘k?
Shelly Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 5:01 pm
I wanna help! I have a few little purses, they may be a little bigger than a sheet of paper if you include the handles. Is that okay?
sheri bheri Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 5:15 pm
Have you seen these?
http://www.flickr.com/groups/japaneseknotbags/
Would that be acceptable? Because I could make a couple of those for your girls. The young’uns on Craftster seem to think they’re cool. (Sorry, I’m VERY out of touch, both with teens AND with the ‘less fortunate’.)
How about we all add some inspiring girl-power message in our “donations”? My favourite right now is “Impossible is NOTHING”.
Lisa Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 5:38 pm
Let me know where to send the purses. I am sure I have a couple small ones in the closet that I no longer carry. I would love to help.
Linda Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 5:54 pm
Saw your link that someone RT on Twitter. I know I have at least one small purse that I’d be happy to donate, and I bet once you have guidelines in place I can get some of my friends to donate as well. Please let us know when and where to send.
Michelle Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 6:31 pm
Excited to take part in this venture!!
Mocha Momma Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 6:47 pm
Um, sheri?
You know that part in How the Grinch Stole Christmas! when his heart grew “three sizes larger”? That just happened to me.
Adding those inspiring quotes inside the purses are just about making my heart grow yet another size.
I think the Japanese knot bags are incredible! They’d love them! I just know it.
Florencia Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 7:04 pm
Yes! I have purses that will be happy to find a new owner! Where do I send them?
K Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 7:16 pm
Count me in! Could we give gift certificates to ebags.com? That way, maybe they could pick/choose their own purse? Or you could order a few? Or would you just prefer PayPal?
My kids go to an elementary school with similar demographics to your school (or so it seems…) Most of our neighbors go to private schools rather than go to school with “those kids.”
But I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE our school. The teachers and the principal are simply amazing. life-changingly amazing. And I’ve fallen madly in love with so many of the kids. I couldn’t leave our school if you paid me. I’ve seen more heart-felt generosity from some of the so-called “poor” families than from anyone else I know.
So count me in.
Mocha Momma Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 7:16 pm
Florencia (and all)…
I’ll be updating with another post soon about the details. I just need to get a few things together first. Thanks so much for your interest! More to come!
Mocha Momma Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 7:20 pm
Oh! K! You jumped in there before I could respond the last time.
I love that ebags.com idea. I really do. I’m going to go look at that site and then I could offer those as well as the others. Every little bit helps.
You are my favorite kind of parent, K. The ones who are loyal and want the best for ALL kids, no matter what the background. You, and parents like you, make my job really wonderful. We LOVE, LOVE, LOVE you, too.
LaughingMouse Said,
October 14, 2009 @ 7:25 pm
I have posted this idea to my own blog with a link. I’ve also posted on facebook. And by the end of the weekend I will have cleared my own stash and started a pile to be sent your way.
Here we go!!!
Oh, and i’m about to add it to my twitter as well. =D
martha-california Said,
October 15, 2009 @ 12:09 am
This is a fantastic idea! Count me in!
I have a few purses I can part with, right now.
I’ll check back for the details.
beanery Said,
October 15, 2009 @ 4:19 am
This is such a wonderful idea. I have a container full of purses that I would love to get rid of in a constructive way. I just hope that the girls would actually like them. Some of them, I actually carried when I was in high school (10+ years ago). One question: what constitutes a “small” purse. Does your school have set dimensions to go by?
Laura Said,
October 15, 2009 @ 6:41 am
Count me in too! I have a purse & shoe thing. I have some purses that are brand new that are the right size.
Audrey Said,
October 15, 2009 @ 7:02 am
How small is small? I have a few purses that I wouldn’t mind parting with.
Audrey
Nel Said,
October 15, 2009 @ 8:00 am
Great idea!
I have about 49 purses of that nature. Let us know where to send!
MisterNoodle Said,
October 15, 2009 @ 8:09 am
I hesitated to comment on this post since I have no idea how important a purse is to a young girl… and thankful for that…
But the spirit of all these comments brought tear to my eyes… people so willing to help…It made me feel like there is still hope for us all… People helping people in need… Amazing…
Binkytowne Said,
October 15, 2009 @ 9:19 am
Brilliant idea. I am picturing two or three right off the top of my head that I can send your way.
V's Herbie Said,
October 15, 2009 @ 9:27 am
I’ve been using a carry bag for a nintendo DS as a purse for a year or so now. I’ve got this style
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8551765&type=product&id=1188561005700
They’re a little more than the $5 price point that you’re looking for, but it’s at least a direction you can point the girls when they whine about nobody selling small purses.
Good luck with your drive!
Mom101 Said,
October 15, 2009 @ 9:56 am
Your school is so lucky to have you. This rocks. Will dig up something purdy.
Laura Said,
October 15, 2009 @ 12:29 pm
I went to Target at lunch. Saw lots of cute purses (under $20) and some cute stuff for me too!
Mommela Said,
October 15, 2009 @ 12:49 pm
Score! On top of my own stash, I wandered into a Coach outlet today and they were having a 75% off sale! Some girl will get a brand new Coach small purse. Awaiting details on where to send them…
angie Said,
October 15, 2009 @ 1:29 pm
Una idea muy excelente.
I am sure I could scrounge up some purses, post a widget, the whole 9. That stinks that the babies can’t find a small bag and it’s such an issue.
Amanda Said,
October 15, 2009 @ 2:26 pm
I’d love to help out…tell us more.
mayberry Said,
October 15, 2009 @ 2:49 pm
I’m totally in. Just came back from St. Vinnie’s and found two cute ones! So remind people – if you’re @ a thrift store for Halloween costume shopping, swing by the purse table while you’re at it.
Sam Said,
October 15, 2009 @ 5:17 pm
So my idea of small may not be the same for someone else…so my question is are there specific measurements the purses may not be over like some rule that the school has.
One Small Thing. One Small Purse. | Dutch Blitz Said,
October 16, 2009 @ 11:49 am
[...] friend Kelly works at a high school which is under fire. She wants to lift up the teenage girls by collecting small purses on their behalf. If you want to send a small purse and cheer up a girk in need, Kelly’s posted details of [...]
Mocha Momma » Tiny Purses, Big Hearts Said,
October 17, 2009 @ 6:38 am
[...] you want me to wax poetic about the kindness of strangers I will, but then there will be tears all over my keyboard and I won’t be able to see. But if [...]
Headless Mom Said,
October 18, 2009 @ 1:06 pm
This is really amazing, Kelly. Going on to the new post to read the details…
Tanya Cox Said,
October 19, 2009 @ 10:56 am
Kelly, What a great idea! Keep your chin up while under the barrage of negative media attention. It is a shame that we have to live in a world where there are off duty police officers having to serve as security at school, where backpacks and purses could be harbouring weapons, etc.
I was a student at Southeast high school during some pretty racially charged and violent times. In my day, Southeast was the step child and had a really bad rap. From personal experience, it was not a bad school, just a school populated by a FEW pretty bad individuals that seemed driven to make sure they (and our school) were constantly making headlines.
“This is stupid! I’m a good girl. Why are we always getting punished?”
This quote broke my heart. As the mother of a “good girl” who will one day be attending your school, I was hurt on behalf of all the students at this particular school who do go there in hopes of learning.
Those students who always end up suffering the consequences because of a few bad actors. Those students who just want to get through their high school experience with some needed tools to further their goals of getting out of what are sometimes less than ideal neighborhoods, homes, family dynamics, etc.
It may seem to some like its a silly thing. Students that attend this school typically come from some pretty depressed neighborhoods and financial situations. Why all the fuss about something like a purse? Why not address the larger problems? Here’s why – not everyone can address the larger problems. But who can’t afford to donate a gently used or new purse? Who would object to sparing a young woman’s dignity by making sure the purse in which she carries her most personal toiletries is one that fits within the new and everchanging guidelines of school dress code and policy?
SIDENOTE TO Sheri Bheri: I love the idea of inspirational quotes. Young girls and women in todays society face a lot of challenges. Giving them something (even just a note) to help keep them inspired, feeling smart, beautiful, valued, important, worthy etc is like the cherry on top.
Mocha Momma » I am INSPIRED Said,
October 19, 2009 @ 8:27 pm
[...] I’m a pretty good mom, too, because Mallory has sent out a request to her friends to help her mother’s Purse Drive out. Talk about being verklempt! I read her email and nearly fell over. Sometimes, we don’t [...]
GirlPie Said,
October 19, 2009 @ 10:45 pm
OF COURSE I can help! I was a costumer so some of my small purses will be, um, unique, but I gotta go to storage to get the really great ones — I’ll send the closet ones (except for the one my sister made me, loyalty, ya know) right off this week — (just landed here by accident via the editor’s pick on kirtsy.com, and it was my first time there too, so I gotta look around for the address — VERY COOL IDEA.
Man, it always amazes and impresses me that there really is so much talent out there… I see it in my biz but I get so jaded, thinking it can’t really be out there in force like it is in my work, but MAN! You guys are continually knocking me upside the head with your brights and shine. Hats off, man, keep up the good works…
~@TheGirlPie
Jenny Said,
October 20, 2009 @ 11:16 am
I saw @HerBadMother’s tweet about this and I’m totally down! I have a bunch of older (but hardly used) Coach bags that I’ve wanted to get rid of for a while. I’ll post about it on my blog/Twitter/Facebook as well.
Maria @BOREDmommy Said,
October 20, 2009 @ 11:25 am
This is such a great idea – I would love to send you some small purses – look forward to additional info!!!
TC Said,
October 20, 2009 @ 11:54 am
I’m in…but I’d need to know what a “small” purse’s dimensions are to know how many I have to send…
Sonia Said,
October 21, 2009 @ 8:12 am
Dear Teacher,
You pull at my purse strings… I mean heart strings, I”m a retired, reinvented teacher. I used to teach at a Houston elementary school of equal caliber. I would receive birthday gifts of teddy bears soiled and wrapped in towels, mom’s used and likely only lipstick. It used to bring me to tears once they left the classroom. I would like to touch the lives back that touched my own. And I happen to have a lot of little purses… it’s the only kind I like to have. So here’s my question, when & where?
Just Jennifer Said,
October 23, 2009 @ 9:23 am
found your post on Kirtsy and voted you up
You have a great post here. I really enjoyed it. And the whole of your blog is awesome. I especially love the layout.
Mocha Momma Said,
October 23, 2009 @ 4:48 pm
UPDATE:
I hope everyone has seen the information on the purse size and where to send them. I’m still so sorry about the PayPal thing. I know folks are awaiting that to be fixed completely, and yet somehow a few people have found out how to send it. Your smarts far outweigh my stupidity. Uh. Or maybe not.
Thank you just doesn’t seem like enough, but my heart is so full that’s all I can squeeze out right now.
xoxo
Mocha
Mocha Momma » Ten Good Things That Happened This Week Said,
October 24, 2009 @ 6:23 am
[...] The Small Purse Drive! It’s off the chain! I love humanity right [...]
deb roby Said,
October 24, 2009 @ 9:33 am
I not only have a couple small purses I can donate -I have all this spare fabric where I can sew up a couple nice small purses. Some are cut but not finished. Putting it on my calendar for tomorrow.
(may I turn this into a craft post? because making purses and bags are very popular crafty things to do)…
Awaiting shipping details for the The Small Purse Drive.
Al_Pal Said,
October 26, 2009 @ 3:09 am
Here via @DebRoby. I know I’ve got a few in a box in my closet — will try to get those to you soon!
Cheers, and Thanks for being an amazing teacher.
Karla Said,
October 26, 2009 @ 11:17 am
Hi MM. I learned about your purse drive from Surrender, Dorothy’s blog. I caught the size limitations for the purses but no information on how to get you money, ebag gift cards, or actual purses. Am I missing it? Will post a link to your blob from Facebook as soon as I have all the details.
Thanks for letting this stranger help with your campaign. Those students are so lucky to have you.
Karla Said,
October 26, 2009 @ 11:18 am
errr, blog. I meant BLOG.
Karla Said,
October 26, 2009 @ 2:26 pm
Sorry for multiple posts — I found the paypal link and sent you a donation.
Mocha Momma Said,
October 26, 2009 @ 6:34 pm
Karla, you are a welcome joy. I haven’t giggled so hard all day. I often call it my blob so no worries.
Thank you for the donation. I’m so shocked that people are really this generous. Even though I shouldn’t be!
Dona West Said,
October 26, 2009 @ 8:21 pm
This is such a great idea… Would be glad to help.. I don’t have small purses but I do have PayPal…
Cynthia Samuels Said,
October 28, 2009 @ 2:09 pm
Every time I think I’ve found the best of you you do something even better. I’ll get the neighborhood cookin’ on this. Miss you… and I’m so proud you’re my friend!
CraftyPod » Blog Archive » Can you help The Small Purse Project? Said,
October 29, 2009 @ 10:27 am
[...] Roby alerted me to The Small Purse Project, which is small and meaningful, and I hope you can [...]
Paul Overton Said,
October 29, 2009 @ 10:58 am
What a sweet project! I’ll put it on my blog and try to get my readers involved. Thanks for the opportunity.
robin Said,
October 29, 2009 @ 4:43 pm
Please send me the addy and I am on it. I am bringing this to work, too. I work with lots of females and I KNOW they all have extra purse-lets to share.
Laurie Ashton Farook Said,
October 29, 2009 @ 9:38 pm
I’ve made a Japanese knot bag that was mentioned and linked to upstream. They’re pretty easy to made and require only basic sewing skills. One bag can be knocked off in a couple or three hours. It would even make a good project for teenage girls if they have access to fabric, sewing machines, and so on.
I’d suggest finding a few easy purse patterns like the Japanese knot bag and handing them out to any of the girls who want to sew their own.
KelleBelle Said,
October 31, 2009 @ 12:59 am
Hi Kelly I read about this project over on Sister Diane’s CraftyPod blog and that’s a great idea to have new, thrifted, and crafted purses made available for your girls. I’m a bit far out of town (Canada) but what about possibly getting the girls involved and learning to make some of the purses themselves? There’s tons of free patterns for knitted & crocheted bags on Ravelry and other blogs, BurdaStyle and cutoutandkeep.net have sewing (and no-sew) projects. Perhaps this is an opportunity to get them involved and learning to craft, then they can be creative and design the bags that they want. Then even people who may not be able to donate a bag might be able to donate stash yarn & fabric, or a shopping trip to the thrift store might inspire the girls to repurpose vintage fabric finds into a great bag. I hope it goes well!
Boston Mamas Said,
November 2, 2009 @ 7:06 am
I thought I already commented… anyway, you are amazing Kelly. So happy to help!
Fern Said,
November 2, 2009 @ 10:27 am
Mocha Mamma- Please contact me-my dear cousing in Ohio sent me this blog! madBaggage is an eco & animal-friendly handbag line. I would like to donate to your cause. Please contact me through the web site…..www.madbaggage.com and let me know the size requirements. I have a perfect purse for your girls. It is 13″ wide at the base and 11″ high, called a self handled tote with a detachable shoulder strap.
Fern Said,
November 2, 2009 @ 11:00 am
Kelly–I just read that your have a 8 1/2″ X 11″ requirement. Can you make an execption for a NEW madbaggage donation to your cause–it is actually 14″ at the base and 11″ high???? The fashion today is for large bags, and this is my smallest in this first collection! http://www.madbaggage.com
Jennyalice Said,
November 4, 2009 @ 4:18 pm
Did I miss the address? I would much rather ship some purses to you than have them live a sad life at the bottom of a donation box somewhere!
Christine Said,
November 5, 2009 @ 7:00 am
This is a brilliant idea. I have 4 sisters and a mother who collects bags. I am sure we have stuff to donate.
Additionally, I crochet bags. My wheels are spinning on creating something that could be unique and specific to what you are trying to do.
Let me know how we can get stuff to you?
Kara Said,
November 7, 2009 @ 12:52 pm
I just recently found you blog (because of Dave Bakke’s article in the SJ-R). I LOVE it. I love reading blogs, especially well written ones and I’m so excited to find one from a writer so local.
I love this idea of a purse drive. My boyfriend’s niece attends your school and I know you guys have been having a lot of issues. I want you to know that there are a lot of us who really do appreciate all that you and other administers are doing.
And this purse drive is truly inspirational.
Kate Said,
November 8, 2009 @ 3:52 pm
Is this still going on? We’re thinking we want to help! It’s a fab u lous idea and we hope to get our Sunday School class into it.
BTW, Terry Doyle and Paris Ervin Doyle are friends of ours. I understand he just started working at your school
Mocha Momma Said,
November 8, 2009 @ 5:16 pm
UPDATE: Yes, the purse drive is still going strong. Perhaps I should have mentioned that there are nearly 700 girls in my school and we’d love to see this as a sustainable project.
So, if you’ve been meaning to send purses and haven’t done it yet, please consider doing so. We are grateful for any and all donations.
HavePulse Said,
November 8, 2009 @ 7:56 pm
I’m sorry – I can find the SIZE you are requesting (8.5 x 11 or smaller), but I can’t find out where you want us to send them. Can we drop them off at the school? If so, where and when?
Mocha Momma » Purses & Inspiration Said,
November 9, 2009 @ 7:41 pm
[...] is a sampling of the purses we’ve received (for those that don’t know, the details are here) and even one of the inspirational sayings that is attached to a bag. We’re opening shop this [...]
Lisa @ Unfiltered Insanity Said,
November 9, 2009 @ 7:50 pm
How small does the purse have to be? Email me and let me know where I can send one and when you need to have them by. I’ll whip you up a purse!
HavePulse Said,
November 10, 2009 @ 9:12 am
Wow, this is the most unorganized blog ever… finally found the HIDDEN details of where to send the purses. No answer to if we can just drop them off… when we’re all hurting for money, seems silly to PAY to send purses a couple blocks away!
Kelly Wickham (don’t use Mocha Momma for the title – I hear the Postal Service doesn’t have a sense of humor)
P.O. Box 9465
Springfield, IL 62791
Mocha Momma » One Small Purse Details Said,
November 10, 2009 @ 6:16 pm
[...] is a sticky post so the Purse Drive details can be visible for all [...]
jen Said,
November 11, 2009 @ 8:22 am
i have oodles of bags that i’d like to send ya but want to confirm the address.
every girl needs a bag to call her own. and heck, more than one is good as well.
Mocha Momma » The Need to Inspire Said,
November 11, 2009 @ 1:13 pm
[...] many people have left cards and inspirational notes inside the purses they’ve donated to the Purse Drive (Hey, fellas? I know you come here and get tired of the girly talk, but just for one second remember [...]
Melanie Said,
November 12, 2009 @ 9:39 pm
I apologize if this question has already been answered, but I am not able to find out the how and when for donating purses to your school’s purse drive. I have many “small” purses that I used during college (I haven’t really gotten into the big purse craze!) and would love to donate them to your school! Please let me know either through a comment or email. Thanks!
PunditMom/Joanne Bamberger Said,
November 13, 2009 @ 12:56 pm
You are truly amazing. I’m going to my closet now.
Average Jane Said,
November 16, 2009 @ 12:10 pm
I mailed you a box o’ purses on Friday, so you should receive them soon.
LaTonya Said,
November 17, 2009 @ 1:08 pm
I followed a like from Mel, A Dramatic Mommy’s blog. I don’t have any small pursed, but if I come across any, I will forward. I think what you’re doing is awesome.
what do taking pictures, passing notes, and cleaning out your closet have in common? « scatterbeams Said,
November 19, 2009 @ 12:26 pm
[...] send it to her. She is working with teens in her school to set up a purse store. Details here and update [...]
Kendra Kroll Said,
November 19, 2009 @ 2:48 pm
Hi there —
I think I have a solution to many girls’ issues with self confidence and peace of mind when it comes to the purse restriction thing.
There’s a new discreet strap-on carrying case that you can wear on your thigh, calf, ankle, arm or waist under the clothing to keep all the essentials ON your person without risk of theft, loss or inconvenience. It’s called PortaPocket and it fits things like IDs, $, tampons, pads, lipstick, cell phones, insulin pumps, inhalers, EpiPens, etc. Comfy neoprene. Detachable, interchangeable, inexpensive. Ideal for use at homecoming & prom, too. Helping girls help themselves. http://www.portapocket.com Hope this is useful for your students
Rocky Said,
November 23, 2009 @ 1:42 am
How come the boys aren’t allowed to carry purses? That seems unfair.
sizzle Said,
November 30, 2009 @ 9:41 am
I’m looking for the address to send my purses to you. Where is it!?
Heather - Dollar Store Crafts Said,
November 30, 2009 @ 4:04 pm
I have three on the way to you!
Jess Said,
December 29, 2009 @ 11:46 am
do you still need more purses? I have a few that I no longer use.