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GRANITE BAY, Calif. — Julie Nakayama got the idea of collecting purses for others four years ago after seeing a post on Facebook encouraging women to take unused purses and donate them to homeless women.
Now, the Granite Bay mother is preparing to donate 2,000 purses filled with items to women in need.
"I've been donating to the same three or four organizations," Nakayama said. "So this year I exploded and donated to about 20 to 30 organizations,"
The purses will be going to homeless women, survivors of both domestic violence and sex trafficking.
Inside each donated purse is a bag filled with shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and other beauty items. She also leaves a small note for every woman who receives a purse.
"I care about your situation," the note reads. "I wish you peace, safety, and the kindness of strangers."
What started as an idea of pulling purses out of her closet has now grown to a Facebook group of nearly 1,000 people and several donation sites.
"There are people out there having a hard time and this is just an easy way of letting them know somebody cares," Nakayama said.
If you would like to participate, Nakayama encourages people to join her Facebook group, Julie's Purse Project.
Follow the conversation on Facebook with Ananda Rochita.
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