Help Shelter Cats and Purse Shop at the Same Time in Westport

Only in Westport can you simultaneously shop for handbags and help out homeless kitties.

First off, I will admit that although I'm not one to fancy a purse or a pocketbook, I am one who loves animals – especially cats.

Habitat for Cats is having its third fundraiser called "Purses for Paws" on Saturday, October 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. over at the Westport United Congregational Church, located at 500 American Legion Highway in Westport.

At this event, you can shop around for gently used handbags from big brands such as Vera Bradley, Coach, Brahmin, Michael Kors, and various Italian brands. There's also much more than just the purses; they will also be selling vintage jewelry, scarves, gloves, wallets, and evening purses.

I have no shame in my game. I am a cat dad of two (Guinness and Bailey) and I love what the Habitat for Cats is doing to help local kitties who are without a home, hoping to someday find a forever one.

Event coordinators Becca Pink and Cheryl Rogers say that the event has gotten a great response from the community and has something to offer for everyone, with purses starting from $1 to brand names starting from $10. Credit cards, checks, and cash will be accepted.

And as if it couldn't get any better, free homemade pastries and cookies, as well as coffee and tea, will be available to shoppers.

The event also features the annual scratch ticket raffle. The first prize is $200 worth of scratch tickets.

Any donations will be going directly towards helping homeless and stray cats.