The Maids of Maryland, owned by Wayne Phillips, is a sponsor of the 5th annual Teen Toolbox Pack-A-Purse Drive, and aims to collect at least 100 purses for this year's effort.  The drive, organized by student, JaMai Sanders, provides purses and personal care items to teenage girls in group homes, foster homes, and homeless shelters.  Last year, a total of 146 purses were collected and given to those in need.  Of the 146 purses, 130 were packed with toiletries.

The Maids has asked its customers to leave out their packed purses and clearly identify them so The Maids can pick them up. Additionally, purses can be dropped off at THE MAIDS office in Glen Burnie between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.  The drive begins Nov. 14 and lasts through Dec. 9.

Donated purses should be new or gently used, and preferably a solid color.  Needed personal care items include: toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo, hand sanitizer, combs and cosmetics.  All donations will be delivered before Christmas Day.

"As a local business owner, I'm always looking for ways to give back to the communities I serve," shares Phillips.  "The Pack-A-Purse Drive seemed like the perfect fit.  It's a simple way for us to make an impact during the holiday season and help those that are less fortunate." THE MAIDS has been serving communities in Maryland for over two decades.  This is the second year THE MAIDS has sponsored the Pack-A-Purse Drive.

As a high school student in Howard County, MD, Sanders helped bring positive change to the community and served on the Howard County NAACP Youth Council, the Columbia Association Teen Council and the Voices For Change Youth Council.  After discovering that foster children were using garbage bags to move what little belongings they had from home to home, Sanders knew that she could do something to help and, in 2007, founded the Pack-A-Purse Drive.  Now a freshman at St Augustine's College in Raleigh, NC, Sanders is pursuing a degree in Mass Communication and aspires to be an event planner.

The Teen Toolbox, founded by Sanders' mother, Nicky, is a youth development company dedicated to helping teenagers take charge of their lives and realize their potential.  Believing that youth can change the world, The Teen Toolbox offers programs and services that allow teens to develop self-confidence, learn new skills, and take an active role in achieving their dreams

About The Maids:
Known for its 22-Step Healthy Touch® Deep Cleaning System, The Maids is the only franchised residential cleaning service to clean for health, combining environmentally preferable cleaning supplies and state-of-the-art equipment with a methodical process to maintain the healthiest living environment possible for families. The Maids enjoys a 96 percent customer referral rate, distinguishing them as the residential cleaning service of choice. Visit The Maids (www.maids.com) for more information.