By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
Kat's Hallmark donated 20 purses on Friday to the Wonder Women League, which in turn donated them to Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services to be given to women at its shelter.
The purses will be part of welcome bags given to women who enter the shelter, said Jennifer Hecker, Options executive director.
Inside each bag is a note saying, "The Wonder Women League and Kat's Hallmark is wishing you a bright future."
"If that small gift takes a woman and gives her the courage to take that step — that strength to get to the next step for a brighter future — that's really what we want to accomplish," said Mary Karst, member of the WWL executive board.
Kathy Schupman, owner of Kat's Hallmark, said Hallmark corporate has been a very giving business during its history.
"I can't think of a better way to have a Mark and Hall purse placed in the community than through an avenue such as this," she said. "Hopefully, these women will feel loved and supported, and this will give them a little umph because we all need it."
The presentation was made during a Hays Chamber Chat on Friday at the Options Hays office. The Hays Chamber has made a big push this year to encourage people to shop local.
"Shopping local is what makes this kind of thing able to happen," Schupman said, "so it is very important. We do appreciate that. We are all one community."
The Wonder Women League is under the umbrella of the United Way of Ellis County. WWL is comprised of women donating to the league above and beyond their annual United Way contribution. WWL donations are used for the health and betterment of children, family, community and neighborhood.
The league has 45 active members.
WWL's continuing projects include Matthew's Gift, which is a project that gives care packages to people who have loved ones who are transferred out of HaysMed for critical care, and Project Suitcase, which gives bags with pajamas, small toys and hygiene items to children who are being placed in foster care.
You can learn more about joining the league by visiting the United Way website.
"It is very humbling to know we have so many incredible women in this town who really work together to build one another up," Sarah Wasinger, Hays Chamber CEO, said. "When women can get together and work together and support one another, the sky is truly the limit and their is nothing we can't accomplish."
If you or someone you knows needs Options services, you can contact them in the following ways:
• Call Options' 24/7 toll free helpline at 1-800-794-4624
• Text the word “HOPE” to 847411 from any cell phone
• Download Options' free app from the Apple Store or Google Store — the app is called “MyMobileOptions”
• Click the “Chat with an Advocate” button on Options' website at www.help4abuse.org
• The Options' offices in Colby or Hays, 2716 Plaza Ave., are open.
• See the Options' website for mobile advocacy locations and hours.
If you wish to volunteer, you can contact Options through the helpline or sign up on Options' website. The agency has openings on its board and is also in need of direct care volunteers to work with victims.
Editor's note: Cristina Janney is a member of the WWL.