United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council to Hold Power of the Purse Event Today

SPRINGFIELD — The Dora D. Robinson Women’s Leadership Council, an affiliate group of United Way of Pioneer Valley (UWPV) will distribute hundreds of purses filled with resources, gifts, and essentials to women in Holyoke, South Hadley, and Granby today, Aug. 11, as part of its Power of the Purse initiative.

The event will begin this morning at the headquarters of Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts, 301 Kelly Way, Holyoke.

Following several successful Power of the Purse events in other communities, the Women’s Leadership Council is continuing this initiative.

“We are extremely grateful to the many local companies who pulled their employees together to hold collection drives to support Power of the Purse,” said Alice Buckner, director of Resource Development. “Volunteers from the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department, Westover Job Corps, and TD Bank helped sort and pack the purses and fillers. They will in turn get them in the hands of the women who need them in Holyoke, South Hadley, and Granby.”

The special resource key rings in these purses are successfully connecting women with free services and supports. Receiving a personal, unique purse filled with uplifting messages and crucial information often leads to utilization of the supports available.

Sponsors and partners include Bacon Wilson, Belmont Laundry, Comcast, Eink, Hampden County Sheriff After Incarceration Support Services, Ladybug Body-Mind Healing, M&T Bank, PeoplesBank, Solenis, Surner Heating, TD Bank, Viability MOMS Group, Vivid Salon & Spa, and Westover Job Corps Center.