SACO — A Saco woman is putting a new twist on parties by hosting events that bring people together in support of a good cause.  

Christa Moulton recently formed Project Purse Maine, collecting gently used purses, filling them with travel-size toiletries and distributing them to homeless women and other women in need.

As part of this project, she is hosting Purse Parties, where attendees bring a gently used purse and a donation of $10. Moulton gives an overview of the project and brings all the toiletries necessary to fill the bags, along with cards to write an inspirational note on. Moulton is hosting a mother and daughter purse party at 10 a.m. on Saturday at Dyer Library, 371 Main St., Saco. To assure there are enough available toiletries, RSVP by emailing [email protected] or sending a message on the Project Purse Facebook page.

Toiletries may seem like a small item, but having access to hygiene products is essential, as good hygiene is important in making a good first impression or looking professional for a job interview. And, of course, it’s always fun to get a new purse.

Moulton began Project Purse in the end of January, mostly getting the word out by posting in a local moms’ Facebook page, and was soon flooded with messages from people interested in helping out or making donations.

Moulton found that many people want to help others, but aren’t sure what they can do to help or how to get involved. Donating a purse or toiletries or hosting a party is an easy way for people to help others, and with Project Purse Maine the items go directly to people in need locally.

As of last week, Moulton has donated 80 gently-used purses filled with travel-sized toiletries.

“There’s no way I could have done this without the help of all these incredible women donating purses and products,” she said. “It’s just been amazing.”

She is also grateful for the help she received creating a logo and to Maine Street Marketing, who came aboard recently as a sponsor and is marketing the project on a Facebook page.

Maine Street Marketing posted on Facebook on March 2 that the company was proud to be a sponsor of Project Purse Maine.

“If you have been looking for a way to give back to your community, we encourage you to ‘like’ this page and consider giving a donation,” posted the marketing company.

Moulton’s kitchen counter on Monday morning looked like an assembly line, with tubs filled with hygiene items laid out in an orderly fashion.

“You start by taking a bag,” said Moulton, gesturing toward boxes of food storage bags neatly placed on her kitchen countertop, then motions toward the line-up of organized tubs of toiletries that go in the bag – toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, lotion, razers, lip balm and feminine hygiene products.

In each bag goes a note of encouragement, “so the women know you’re thinking of them,” said Moulton.

Moulton has distributed the bags to several organizations including Caring Unlimited, York County Homeless Shelter and Biddeford Food Pantry.

Moulton has found great pleasure in helping other women through this project.

“It’s so much fun to give,” she said.

Her eyes light up as she talks about her experience with Grace Street Ministry in Portland. She went to Portland to donate 12 purses and Pastor Jeffery Logan insisted she accompany him to distribute them. She went with him to Preble Street Resource Center and the women were very grateful for the gift.

“They were very, very gracious,” she said.

Project Purse Maine is accepting donations of travel-size toiletries and gently-used purses. To keep up to date on Project Purse Maine, check out the project’s Facebook page.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].