Wilmington Central Rotary launches annual purses drive with Strickland’s Home as drop-off hub

Wilmington Central Rotary has opened its 2026 Purses for the Unsheltered campaign in Wilmington, North Carolina, with Strickland’s Home serving as the main donation site. The drive collects purses filled with hygiene and personal care items for women facing homelessness and crisis across Southeastern North Carolina.

Why it matters: - The campaign provides women fleeing abuse, violence or severe hardship with immediate essentials that can help restore dignity during a crisis. - The drive also channels donations to local shelters and advocacy groups serving women in Southeastern North Carolina. - Wilmington Central Rotary says the project highlights how local businesses and residents can support vulnerable neighbors in a practical way.

What happened: - Wilmington Central Rotary launched its annual Purses for the Unsheltered campaign in Wilmington, North Carolina. - Strickland’s Home is serving as the primary community drop-off hub at 5422 Oleander Drive. - Collections for the 2026 campaign opened on Wednesday, August 12. - Completed purses are scheduled for distribution in mid-September. - Community members can donate new or gently used purses filled with items, donate requested supplies or give cash.

The details: - The campaign asks donors to fill purses with items such as hand sanitizer, feminine care products, socks, wet wipes and toiletries. - Recommended items also include toothbrushes, toothpaste, hair ties, deodorants, chapstick and hand cream. - Additional drop-off locations include The Skyline Center Lobby at 929 N. Front St., First National Bank locations at 1724 Eastwood Dr. and 1508 Military Cutoff Rd., Suite 100, and JBG Painting. - Past drives have distributed hundreds of purses to partners including the Domestic Violence Center, First Fruit Ministries and Good Shepherd House. - Wilmington Central Rotary has donated more than $327,000 to local charities and community programs since 2000. - Strickland’s Home has been serving Southeastern North Carolina for more than 80 years and also provides custom window treatments, closets and home organization systems. - More information is available at Wilmington Central Rotary and Strickland’s Home.

Between the lines: - The partnership gives the campaign a visible community pickup point and likely helps lower the friction for donors who want to participate. - The recurring support from Strickland’s Home signals that local businesses are being used as civic infrastructure, not just sponsors. - The project’s focus on everyday personal care items suggests the goal is immediate usefulness, not just symbolic support.

What's next: - Wilmington Central Rotary will continue accepting donations through the campaign period ahead of the mid-September distribution. - The purses will go to local shelters and advocacy organizations serving women in crisis. - The group is likely to rely on continued community and business participation to sustain the annual drive.