After putting out the call for donations of new or gently used purses, Janice VanderWal is finally satisfied with the numbers.

Over the past year, VanderWal has inspected and cleaned almost 400 purses in her role of preparing for this weekend’s gym-size sale at First Lutheran Church, 337 Eighth St., in Brookings. VanderWal is eager to begin selling when doors open in the church’s Mission Coffee House at 9 a.m. Dec. 8. She will oversee the purses sales, using skills she honed in a 25-year career working at the former Coast-to-Coast store on Main Avenue. At age 82, her goal is still “looking out for others,” and she gets satisfaction in helping shoppers find just the right purse for their styles and price ranges.

In fact, VanderWal is so passionate about providing for others that she recently emptied and sold her own purse, right on the spot, to an admiring friend as they visited over coffee. In relating this story, Mary Moeller, who had observed the transaction, recognized VanderWal’s excitement in satisfying her friend’s request.

“It’s beautiful to see someone get so excited about meeting people’s needs. Several years ago, Janice brought a number of large purses to a local nursing home for residents to use with their walkers and wheelchairs. That kind of sharing energizes Janice; she has a passion for giving and serving,” Moeller said.

Nancy Schade, who has also contributed many hours to the "Purses for a Powerful Purpose" fundraiser, describes VanderWal as a “master of knowing her purses, with an eye for quality.” The two have worked closely for several years to collect, organize and market the purses. Schade adds that Janice knows all the best brands and recognizes genuine leather immediately.

This weekend’s sale also features donations of jewelry and renovated Christmas decorations and a silent auction. The “Purses for a Powerful Purpose” fundraiser supports Belizean students in reaching their educational goals. Shopping hours are 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 8, with a luncheon break. The hours will be 9 a.m. to noon Saturday and Sunday. Prices are half-price for most items on Sunday.