FEATURE
Small Blessings Purse Project
Another way to share the wealth
STORY AND PHOTO BY CHRISTINE A. SMYCZYNSKI
Small Blessings Purse Project founder Susan Riley poses with her dog in "the purse room."
S
usan Riley is all about “living a purposeful life of service.” A graphic designer for forty years, Riley ran her own business for twenty-seven of them, specializing in creating brochures, marketing materials, and newsletters for the senior care industry. Prompted by the pandemic’s adverse effect on workflow, Riley decided to retire and enjoy life. “I was fortunate to be able to retire early,” she says. “I’m determined to make the most of my time” donating them to organizations that purse items are “small blessings.” In fall 2019, feeling thankful for all “I’m trying to build women up and assist disadvantaged women. she had, Riley wanted to find a way to lend a helping hand,” says Riley, who Now, Riley calls her ministry Small give back, something she could do from does the work in honor of her mother, Blessings Purse Project, as she wanted home. She began collecting purses to a faith-based name and because the who passed away seven years ago. “This fill with personal care products, then COME HOME TO
Shaarey Zedek Apartments A quiet senior community nestled in the heart of Amherst.
1 & 2 BEDROOM STYLES 834.3711
410 Hartford Road | Amherst, NY 14226 (off Millersport - 1 Block, North of Sheridan)
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www.foreveryoungwny.com | June 2022
ministry is only a small gesture to help women who may be struggling, to brighten their day and put a smile on their faces.” The project started small, with a notice in her church bulletin at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Clarence; the response was encouraging. “Women are extremely generous,” Riley says. “They see this as an opportunity to help other women. Empowered women empower women. They have an emotional attachment to their purses; they know where they bought them and will tell you the history of the purse and why they want to give it to others.” Word spread. Soon, other churches and organizations—including Christ the King Church in Snyder, Our Lady of Peace in Clarence, Alden Presbyterian, and Chesterton Academy—contacted Riley offering to organize ongoing collections with Small Blessings Purse Project. Donations are now collected year-round. In her first year, Riley filled and donated 165 purses; this past year, more than 500 purses were filled and donated. A few years ago, to assist her mother, Riley moved back into her childhood home. Her former childhood bedroom is now “the purse room,” filled with bins of purses of all sizes and varieties, including designer bags and even backpacks. Some are new with tags still attached. “I’m amazed at the generous amount of stuff people give me!” she says. Also in the room are bins upon bins of toiletry items like deodorant, shampoo, soap, tissues, hand sanitizer, etc. People donate these items as well as gift cards to Dollar Tree, which Riley says has the best products at the best price. The products are set up to fill purses in assembly-line fashion. Riley tailors purse donations to the organization’s recipients. For example, Journey’s End Refugee Services often assists families, so she will give them bigger purses filled with full size products. If she is donating purses to organizations serving homeless or displaced women, she uses smaller purses filled with travel size products. For faith-based organizations, she adds a rosary and a miraculous medal. Ladies
