Handbags & Backpacks for Hope

LAUNCHES JUNE 2ND. ENDS JUNE 28TH.

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ABOUT

Our Handbags for Hope and Backpacks for Hope campaigns are now combined! Our Handbags & Backpacks for Hope campaign collects NEW purses, totes, diaper bags, and backpacks for victims across Texas. The campaign helps to lead those experiencing power-based abuse to safety and independence, while providing them with access to free legal and social services.

All Handbags & Backpacks for Hope feature a discreet tag with Texas Advocacy Project’s Legal Line, 800.374.HOPE, linking to resources and information about our FREE legal and social services. Additionally, backpacks are filled with new school supplies to give children a fresh start for the school year. All bags are then distributed to shelters, clinics, and crisis centers across Texas.

This year’s campaign runs from June 2nd to June 28th. While participating collection partners may begin gathering bags and backpacks before the official launch, TAP can only accept donations during the designated campaign dates due to limited storage capacity and resources.

WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

• Host a Drop-Off Location, Drive, or Collection Event | If you'd like to participate as a drop-off location, or host a drive or collection event fill out our Collection Form by May 23, 2025. 
   
  • Public Drop Off Location: Set up a large box in a prominent area with our Bin Poster attached so the public can drop off their bags.
  • Private Drive/Collection Event: Host a workplace drive, lunch or happy hour with friends, etc., where attendees can bring bags and/or cash donations!
     
• Donate a Bag or Backpack | Donate a new handbag, diaper bag, tote bag, or backpack with school supplies at one of our official Public Drop-Off Locations (see map below)! If you are outside of Central Texas and the locations listed aren't feasible, please email us at [email protected] to arrange a shipment.
• Volunteer Your Time | Prepare our bags for shipment! Fill bags with safety planning information, information about our free life saving legal and social services, and a discreet tag that lists TAP's Legal Line. Additionally, all backpacks are filled with school supplies to give children a fresh start for the school year. Contact [email protected] for more information. 
• Too busy to shop? | Make a donation to help pay for shipping costs of sending our Handbags & Backpacks for Hope to shelters, hospitals, clinics, and more! 

For questions or more information email [email protected].

2024 PUBLIC DROP-OFF LOCATIONS (2025 LOCATIONS COMING SOON)

HISTORY

For 17 years, Texas Advocacy Project has provided survivors with a vital resource: a bag filled with tools for safety, support, and empowerment. Whether it was a handbag, tote, diaper bag, or backpack, each carried more than just belongings, it carried hope.

Originally, TAP’s Handbags for Hope campaign placed purses into the hands of survivors, offering them a discreet way to carry essentials and legal resources. In 2019, the program expanded to hospitals to support survivors of sexual assault, ensuring they could leave with dignity instead of a plastic bag. By 2021, TAP introduced diaper bags to serve new parents and caregivers, reaching at-risk moms-to-be who face an increased risk of domestic abuse.

At the same time, Backpacks for Hope focused on children in shelters across Texas. New backpacks were filled with school supplies for the year ahead and fitted with a discreet tag listing TAP’s Legal Line (800.374.HOPE) ensuring that families knew where to turn for free legal and social services. These backpacks provided stability and a sense of normalcy for children who are facing abusive situations.

Now, these two powerful campaigns have joined forces under one initiative, expanding TAP’s ability to reach survivors of all ages. Whether it’s a survivor leaving a hospital, a mother preparing for a new baby, or a child starting fresh at a new school, each bag is more than just a necessity, it’s a step toward a safer future.

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