For the adult women in our housing programs, we wanted to spread love in ways that felt personal, meaningful, and intentional.
Shopping with Purpose
The spirit of love was in the air at Target Columbia Heights! It all started with a huge donation of beauty products and then a heartwarming $1,000 shopping spree with House of Ruth staff.
With shopping carts ready to roll, House of Ruth staff and Target team members strolled through the aisles. Cozy blankets, uplifting journals, sleek planners, and creative kits– each item chosen with care to bring joy, and a little extra sparkle to those we serve. Everyone deserves a little love, and thanks to Target, our participants felt it in the most meaningful way!
But the magic didn’t stop there.
Volunteers Assembled!
With many hands and full hearts, a team of dedicated volunteers came together at the House of Ruth administrative office to assemble the Valentine’s bags. Every bag was thoughtfully curated—makeup and skincare for self-care, planners and journals for reflection, puzzles and crochet kits for creativity.
Painting with Love
Participants from our housing programs enjoyed a paint and sip experience—thanks to board member Mikael LaRoche and the amazing members of Mu Lambda APA. Hosted at Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library, the evening was all about self-expression, relaxation, and connection. The volunteers went all out, setting up individual painting stations for each participant. Canvases, vibrant paints, and all the tools needed to let creativity run wild. Sparkling cider was poured. Snacks were served. Laughter filled the air as an instructor guided them through the painting process—focusing on personal expression over perfection.
And the result? Absolutely stunning floral masterpieces! Each woman brought her unique vision to life, filling the canvas with bold colors, delicate petals, and artistic confidence. In addition to her painting, every participant took home a gift bag—a reminder of this beautiful, joy-filled evening.
Gratitude for Our Partners in Love
Big thanks to each of the companies and individuals who made these special efforts possible!
💜 Target Columbia Heights hosted our staff for a $1,000 shopping spree. They also donated beauty and hair products.
💜 The Reis Group donated make-up bags, gift bags, and tissue paper.
💜 St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral Ladies Philoptochos Society donated makeup bags.
💜 Dominique Perkins, Catherine Alabi, Shakarra McGuire, and Mikyla Tuggle donated make-up bags, gift bags and tissue paper.
💜 RISE by Bozzuto (organized by Attiya Mahmood and Maty Wellerson), Dominique Perkins, Catherine Alabi, Shakarra McGuire, and Mikyla Tuggle volunteered to assemble over 150 gift bags.
💜Alpha Phi Alpha and Mikael LaRoche hosted a paint and sip experience for the women in our housing programs
Share Your Love
Every act of giving back is an act of unconditional love. Thank you for making love an action.
Discover your own act of unconditional love by donating (https://houseofruth.org/donate-now/) or hosting your own in-kind donation drive (https://houseofruth.org/inkind/)
