'Let's Face It Cosmetics' Hosts Charity-Focused Initiative to Benefit Dakota Woodlands

Sisters and co-owners of Let's Face It Cosmetics, Michelle and Kathy MacDonald, knew they were fortunate and were looking for a way to give back and empower women who may be feeling powerless in their current situation.

Their answer was a purse drive to benefit women experiencing a difficult time in their lives.

Last year, Let's Face It customers donated 60 purses and assorted personal care items that were given to residents at the Lewis House Battered Women's Shelter. 

Concerning their decision to make Lewis House the focus of their initial drive, Michelle MacDonald said these women "show great courage by getting out of an abusive situation and they need to be supported and encouraged."

The 2011 focus of their purse drive will be residents of the Eagan-based Dakota Woodlands housing facility for homeless women and children, and the MacDonald sisters would like to collect 75 purses this year. 

Dakota Woodlands Volunteer Coordinator Patty Kelley shared that the facility offers residents the necessities of life, which does not include special items, such as a new purses, although women can sometimes earn points toward luxuries. She wasn't sure how they would go about distributing the purses collected as a result of the Let's Face It effort. 

Between April 1  and 15, those who drop off a gently-used purse at the Let's Face It Cosmetics store, located in the Lakeville Crossing Shopping Center, will receive $5 off a new handbag. 

Other items also may be donated. This list, published on the Dakota Woodlands website, provides ideas of the specific and ongoing needs of the women and children who are served by the facility.

7688 160th St W
Lakeville, MN 55044
952-469-5477

Hours: Mon - Fri, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Sat, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sun, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.