Our Mission
Purse Power was established with the goal of making people who experience monthly periods feel dignified in their own skin. For many of us, having the tools and supplies required to get through a monthly period isn’t something given a second thought. However, there are thousands of people in our communities who are not afforded that same privilege. This resource gap was the main reason we decided to create Purse Power.
It’s a simple plan: collect donated purses, fill them with hygiene products (tampons, pads, feminine wipes, hand sanitizer, deodorant, soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, chapstick, lotion), then gift these purses to individuals who may have trouble accessing these items on their own. Thus far, we have worked with multiple youth homeless shelters and domestic abuse shelters in the Las Vegas area to distribute these purses to individuals who would benefit from them.
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In order to make this happen, we ask for your help in three different ways: donating a new or gently used purse, donating any of the above-mentioned items, or contribute to our cause with a monetary donation. Of note, Purse Power has the 501(c)3 designation and every penny we receive in donations goes towards purses and products.
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To donate to the cause, you can click the link below to our PayPal account. To donate via Zelle, use our email (pursepowerlv@gmail.com) to find our account. If you'd prefer Venmo, you can find us at @PursePowerLV. Thank you for your help in achieving our mission of ending period poverty in Las Vegas!
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Our Team
Madison Elmer
After graduating from Oregon State University, Madison decided to begin a new endeavor: co-creating a non-profit with her mother, Shelly, that is embedded in women’s empowerment. Madison is currently studying at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, which has created a great opportunity for a close relationship between the medical school and Purse Power. Her ultimate goal is to provide medical care for underserved populations, such as the communities this non-profit was designed to assist.
Shelly Elmer
After 32 years of working as a commercial banker and sitting on numerous non-profit boards, Shelly decided to put all of her time and efforts into something she felt truly passionate about. She has always understood the importance of making sure women feel supported and valued, which ultimately led her to co-creating this non-profit with her daughter, Madison. Her compassion for underserved women is unwavering, along with her dedication to always being in their corner.
Get Involved
If you want to be a part of our mission, please contact us at PursePowerLV@gmail.com. We would love to hear from you and work with you however we can!
Our Friends
Get to know some of the local organizations that we have donated our purses to
S.A.F.E. House
"S.A.F.E. House is committed to stop abuse in the family environment by providing safe shelter, support, advocacy, counseling, and education."
Shade Tree
"To provide safe shelter to abused and homeless women and women with children in crisis; as well as, offer life-changing services promoting stability, dignity, and self-reliance."
Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada
"We provide food, shelter, and comprehensive services and inspire our community through collaboration, recognizing that each person is created in the image and likeness of God, and that God’s compassion transforms lives."
Communities in Schools
"We pour resources into a students’ school and family life. We work to tear down barriers that stand in their way. We work tirelessly to create an equitable path to education. We are in schools to help kids stay in school. Doesn’t every child deserve an equal chance?"
Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth
"NPHY's mission is to end youth homelessness and its wide-ranging, devastating impact – for each youth we encounter and our community as a whole. No young person should have to live on the streets."
The Just One Project
"Building a stronger, healthier, and connected community through volunteerism while increasing access to food and services."