COOK COUNTY (WLS) — Handbags filled with essentials are collected for women experiencing domestic violence, homelessness or abuse.

This year’s “Love Purse” event was held in memory of the late Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough, who started the event three years ago.

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It’s a unique handbag donation campaign. On Friday, in recognition of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Cook County Clerk’s Office collected hundreds of purses for the “Love Purse” event.

Purses are filled with supplies and messages of support will go a long way to helping women in crisis.

“We’re here to serve and make sure these women know they’re protected and they’re loved,” said Cedric Giles, Acting Cook County Sheriff.

The effort was organized in collaboration with the organization Love Purse, which advocates for survivors of domestic violence and trafficking and people experiencing homelessness. To date, the three-year-old non-profit organization has donated 14,000 bags in 10 countries.

“There is an uptick in domestic violence,” said Love Purse board member Bridget Hatch. “Our services and our wallets are needed now more than ever.”

The wallets are full of personal necessities. The handbags not only contain essential items and toiletries, but also a message of love.

Commissioner Kari Steele, the chair of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, and her staff wrote inspirational notes.

“I tried to be creative all the way through, ‘stay true,’ that kind of thing,” Steele said.

RELATED | Memorial services were held for the late Cook County Officer Karen Yarbrough

The event was held in memory of the late Clerk Yarbrough, who died unexpectedly in April after years of supporting the cause.

“Seeing you all here again, and continuing the mission to make it even bigger and brighter, is just incredibly special,” said Yarbrough’s niece, Judge Chloe Pederson.

Of the more than 300 handbags collected, 82 were donated by Dr. Donna Rixey, who witnessed domestic violence as a child.

“I feel good that we were able to make a difference in the lives of individuals and children who are in these settings,” said Dr. Rixey.

The love bags are now on their way to three local organizations for women in need.

“So by providing purses that are filled with essential items that they need, it’s just a way to give them a positive affirmation,” said YWCA Evanston and North Shore President and CEO Cherese Ladet.

Domestic violence survivor and advocate Lachelle Evans-Beard said the initiative could make all the difference.

“To have something like this happen to me, to let me know that I’m heard… to let me know that I don’t have to be afraid, to let me know that I don’t have to run… I could just seek help, says Evans-Beard.