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It is all about giving to those in need, Calhoun, a resident of Dayton's Grafton Hill neighborhood, said.
“We can make a bigger impact together,” she said.
RePURSE IT needs volunteers to donate new and gently used purses, gym bags, backpacks and other bags and fill them with items that include toiletries such as shampoos and lotions, plus hats, scarfs, socks, and gloves, feminine hygiene items, razors and water bottles.
“It is something to take their minds off what they are going through,” Calhoun said.
Those with questions about the purse and supply drive can call 937-410-0178 or send an email to repurseit@gmail.com.
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Wednesday is the final day to drop off purses and items at a list of locations that includes Fifth Street Brewpub, 1600 E. Fifth St.; The Barrel House, 417 E Third St.; Warped Wing Brewing Company, 26 Wyandot St; and Twist Cupcakery, 25 S. St. Clair St.
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Credit: Contributed
Credit: Contributed
All the businesses are located in downtown Dayton except Fifth Street Brewpub, which is is in Dayton’s St. Anne's Hill neighborhood.
Credit: Contributed
Credit: Contributed
Calhoun was inspired to launch the organization in 2015 after seeing a Facebook post from Houston’s Monique Mitchell challenging people to fill purses with necessities and give them to those in need.
Credit: Contributed
Credit: Contributed
Since then — and despite her deployment with the Air Force between 2017 and 2019 as a civilian servant — RePURSE IT has managed to give more than 1,000 bags to men, women and children in the region.
The group has collected roughly half of its 600-bag goal for this year.
“If there is more need later in the year, we can do another one,” Calhoun said.
The organization works with a list of nonprofits that has included YWCA, House of Bread, St. Vincent DePaul, Wesley Center, DayBreak teen shelter and Rocking Horse Community Health Center.
Credit: Contributed
Credit: Contributed
DeMarcus Calhoun, Valarie’s husband, is logistics coordinator for the organization. Veronica Myers, her twin sister, is the volunteer coordinator.
They are transplants from Alabama that have found friends in Dayton.
“We are really trying to give back to Dayton,” Calhoun said.
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