At Crosscause, we believe that kindness should reach everyone — young and old.
As part of our ongoing Winter Aid Truck initiative, we’re introducing a new way to share warmth and care this winter: The Winter Handbag Project.

This project is inspired by a beautiful idea — to fill gently used ladies’ handbags with small, useful or comforting items for elderly people in need across Romania and Ukraine. Many of them live in poverty, isolation, or in areas affected by war.
A simple handbag filled with thoughtful essentials can bring comfort, dignity, and hope during the cold months.

This simple but meaningful idea is all about preparing a handbag filled with small, useful, and comforting items for elderly people or couples in Romania and Ukraine who are struggling through a hard winter.

1. Find a Handbag
Choose a clean, gently used ladies’ handbag — something you’d still be happy to give.

2. Fill It with Love
Add small, practical, or comforting things such as soap, hand cream, perfume, reading glasses, razors, socks, a scarf or hat, a deck of cards, or even a candle and matches. Need some ideas? Have a look at the list on the right for suggestions of what to include.
To keep the handbags fresh and easy to store, please don’t include any food items.

3. Bring It to Us
We won’t be collecting handbags door-to-door, but you can easily drop them off at one of our collection points before the 8th of November 2025:

• Any Rocksalt Cafe — in Blackrock, Dundalk, or Carrickmacross — thanks to the kindness and support of Daniel, the owner of Rocksalt.
• The AOH Hall Charity Shop in Blackrock, open Saturdays and Sundays.

Each handbag you prepare helps us share warmth, dignity, and care with someone who truly needs it this winter.

Hygiene & Personal Care

• Soap (solid or liquid)
• Hand cream / body lotion
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Lip balm
• Small pack of tissues
• Wet wipes
• Nail clippers
• Comb or small hairbrush
• Deodorant
• Shampoo
• Cotton buds / cotton pads
• Disposable razors
• Sanitary pads (for women)
• Hand sanitiser
• Small towel or flannel

Little Treats & Extras

• Perfume or cologne
• Nail file
• Lipstick
• Hair clips / hair ties
• Earrings or a bracelet
• Tea bags
• Handkerchief
• Pack of napkins
• Reusable cup or mug

Practical Everyday Items

• Needles and thread
• Candle and box of matches
• Reusable shopping bag
• Pen and small notebook
• Torch (small LED one)
• Batteries (AA or AAA)
• Pocket mirror
• Small scissors
• String or twine
• Simple keyring or lanyard
• Small lock (for safety)

Small Comforts & Hobbies

• Pack of playing cards
• Yarn and crochet hooks
• Buttons or sewing materials
• Rosary beads
• Small photo frame
• Small notebook for journaling

Health & Comfort

• Painkillers
• Plasters / small first-aid kit
• Reading glasses
• Warm socks
• Gloves
• Scarf or hat

Because small things matter. Because a single handbag filled with simple gifts can remind someone that they are seen, loved, and not forgotten.

By joining The Winter Handbag Project, you’re showing that compassion has no borders — that a kind heart in Ireland can reach someone in need hundreds of miles away.
It’s a gesture of solidarity between generations, between people who care.

For over a decade, Crosscause has been sending aid to Eastern Europe through the Winter Aid Truck.
With The Winter Handbag Project, we’re adding a new way for our community to reach out — not just to children, but to the elderly, too.
Every handbag will be personally handed over by our volunteers in Romania and Ukraine, ensuring that your kindness reaches those who need it most.

• Join One of Our Projects:
  Take part in any of our ongoing Crosscause initiatives — the Winter Aid Truck Project, the Christmas Shoebox Appeal, or our new Winter Handbag Project. Each one helps bring comfort and hope to those who need it most.
• Spread the Word:
  Tell your friends, neighbours, or local groups — especially older people who might enjoy taking part. The more people involved, the more lives we can touch.
• Volunteer or Support:
  Help us with sorting, packing, or transport as part of the Winter Aid Truck. Every extra hand makes a difference.
• Make a Donation: If you’re unable to create a shoebox or a handbag, you can still support our mission by making a donation towards our Winter Aid Truck project.

Together, we can remind the world that kindness doesn’t stop with age — it grows stronger with it.
Let’s fill this winter with compassion