The Catholic Women’s Society of Giving, a group within the Diocese of Allentown dedicated to raising awareness and contributing to nonprofit causes and ministries, is partnering with the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians (LAOH) on a Purse Project. All members of the Diocese are encouraged to participate and contribute donations.
“Purse Project” was started in our Diocese in 2016 by the members of the LAOH in Allentown, commonly known as the Irish Catholic ladies of the Lehigh Valley.
The Purse Project, which was started in 2013 in Michigan, aims to help women in need by supplying both a gently used purse and personal care items such as soap, lotion, shampoo, comb, tissue pack, toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, lip balm, deodorant, mints, pen, notepad, sunscreen, rain poncho, emergency blanket socks, gloves, and flip-flops plus a hand-knitted hat and scarf. Most bags include emergency supplies like blankets.
“We were amazed when we gave our first donation of 30 purses to Turning Point [our first year]. The response that was received just filled us with so much energy and excitement,” said Maura Roszyk, president of LAOH. “As of today, we have given 2,178 purses across the Lehigh Valley.”
To date, the group has donated over 2,000 purses in partnership with local organizations.
These purses are given to various nonprofits, including food banks, homeless shelters, and Salvation Armies. With the increased need, the program has grown to include school supplies and mats, ensuring that people do not have to sleep on the ground.
“We ask for donations from dental offices, doctor’s offices, hair salons, and we ask our friends for help,” said Roszyk. Any items from these businesses or locations can be included in a purse for a person in need.
“Unfortunately, the need is real. We are asking you to help the ladies of the Lehigh Valley.”
Click here for a video presentation on the Purse Project.
LAOH is a nonprofit organization for Irish Catholic women in the United States, with Bishop Schlert serving as its National Chaplain. They have been serving areas of the United States and Ireland for over a century. The goal of the organization with their social outreach is to strengthen the faith for both its members and surrounding communities. Additionally, they attempt to encourage engagement with Irish culture by inspiring those of Irish heritage to foster faith and independence.
For more information on LAOH, email lehighvalleyLAOHprez@gmail.com or visit https://ladiesaoh.com/.
To learn more about the Catholic Women’s Society of Giving, visit https://www.allentowndiocese.org/womensgiving.
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