Shalom Center hosts ‘Love Purses for a Purpose’ drive for Valentine’s Day

Tamarra Coleman, executive director of the Shalom Center, along with her staff, organized the 4th Annual “Love Purses for a Purpose” drive for Valentine’s Day.

Coleman has done the drive annually since 2019, collecting new and gently used purses filled with toiletries, candy, lipstick, jewelry, nail polish and other necessities from donors throughout the area.

“I love serving others and what better way to show love on Valentine’s Day than by giving back,” Coleman said. “I’m thankful for the generous donors and community partners who donated purses or toiletries. Even our community youth groups got involved. That’s what LOVE is all about.”

About 700 purses were donated, the most successful drive yet. Women in Shalom Center programs were able to choose a purse on Tuesday.

“The goal was to allow women to pick a purse of their choice and show a little extra love,” Coleman said. “The ladies were delighted with the variety and quality of the purses. It really made their Valentine’s Day Special.”

Because they collected more than enough purses for Shalom Center clients, Coleman said she is donating purses to Halo, Inc. in Racine and to Women and Children’s Horizons in Kenosha.

In March, a similar donation drive, called March MANness, will collect men’s wallets, backpacks and hygiene products. Tamarra’s husband, Rev. Michael Coleman and her son-in-law, Jhalin Goodlow, will spearhead the men’s drive.