Our Mission
Purse Power was founded to ensure that individuals who experience monthly periods feel supported, dignified, and valued. While many of us never have to question whether we will have access to period products, thousands in our communities face this challenge every month. Addressing this resource gap is the driving force behind Purse Power.
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Our approach is straightforward: we collect donated purses, fill them with essential hygiene items—such as tampons, pads, feminine wipes, hand sanitizer, deodorant, soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes, toothpaste, chapstick, and lotion—and distribute them to those who need them most. To date, we have partnered with youth homeless shelters and domestic violence shelters across the Las Vegas area to bring these purses to individuals who may otherwise go without.
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There are three ways to support our mission:
1. Donate a new or gently used purse.
2. Donate any of the hygiene products listed above.
3. Contribute financially to help us purchase purses and supplies.
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Purse Power is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and 100% of donations go directly toward purses and products.
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Ways to Give
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PayPal: click the "Donate" button below!
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Zelle: pursepowerlv@gmail.com
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Venmo: @PursePowerLV
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Thank you for helping us in our mission to end period poverty in Las Vegas.
Our Team
Madison Elmer, MD
Madison co-founded Purse Power with her mother, Shelly, in late 2020. Dedicated to advancing women’s empowerment, Purse Power established a meaningful partnership with the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, where Madison completed her medical degree. She now resides in Cincinnati for her residency training while continuing to serve on Purse Power’s board, supporting the organization’s mission and her co-founder from afar.
Shelly Elmer
With over 30 years of experience as a commercial banker and extensive service on numerous non-profit boards, Shelly brings significant leadership and strategic expertise to Purse Power. Following her career in banking, she co-founded the organization with her daughter, Madison, driven by a commitment to advancing opportunities for women. Shelly remains dedicated to ensuring that underserved women have access to the support, recognition, and empowerment they deserve.
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."