Ronnie Wolverton doesn't have a wallet. It is therefore ironic that her mission is to provide wallets to homeless and underprivileged women. But they're not just for vanity. The handbag contains hygiene products, socks, and other essentials. “I literally woke up one day and had this idea,” says Wolverton, whose C2EX real estate agent is with Silver Creek Realty Group in Meridian, Idaho. “I thought, 'What a coincidence, but hey, let's see what happens.'”
Five years ago, she originally put out a call for wallet donations from her area on Facebook, planning to fill them and distribute them to homeless women in the Boise Valley area. Her Wolverton post received a much bigger response than she anticipated, and her contacts began connecting her with women's shelters and other groups that could benefit from her efforts. . In a short time, Wolverton's idea grew into an organization called Purses with a Purpose.
“We work with groups and organizations that support women coming out of prison, women being rescued from sex trafficking, women coming out of domestic violence, and girls who are homeless but still in school. We are also donating bags to five high schools in the area,” Wolverton said.
Read more stories of REALTORS®' exceptional service to their communities on our Good Neighbors for REALTORS® Facebook and Instagram pages. Don't forget to share your volunteer stories.
Every month, the volunteer-run organization fills more than 400 purses and backpacks with toothbrushes, deodorant, socks, soap, and feminine hygiene products. Wolverton has a wallet with the purpose logo on it and a message that says, “This wallet is filled with love from a group of people who believe in you. You're not alone.''
Wolverton also includes a note card with the words “What this wallet means to me” written across the top. Women who receive the handbags can choose to write a note and return it to the organization. “A woman filled out a card when she was released from prison, and I'll never forget it,” Wolverton recalled. “She wrote: 'Thank you so much for this beautiful wallet that I can wear on the outside while I pick up the inside part.'”
On the surface, she says, some people question Wolverton's efforts. She remembers a man asking during a conversation, “Why a wallet?” Does it really make a difference? ” That was the first question she asked herself. But the stories of the women she helped provide answers.
One time, as Wolverton was promoting “Wallets with a Purpose” at a farmers market, a woman came up to her booth. Initially, Ms. Wolverton had hoped that women would want to donate to the organization. But instead, she received a wallet from the organization after she was released from prison, so she thanked Wolverton. Although she struggled with her addiction, she recovered.
“Now she lives comfortably with her husband and children, but she said she always carries that card with her,” Ms. Wolverton said. “She keeps it in her purse that she carries. She said it gave her hope and strength.”
