The original intention of the bag ladies three years ago was to raise $300 for the Family and Intercultural Resource Center. Now 35 volunteers and $10,000 later, they've become an entity all their own.

“Where we started from, and where we are now, who in their wildest dreams ever would have dreamt it?” said Kay Bullington, one of the group's founders.

The bag ladies don't just make bags, although Bullington said their oversized bags are some of their best-sellers. Their shop above the bowling alley in Dillon is filled with everything: wine cozies, wine glass coasters, golf shoe bags, scarves for dogs, purses, e-book reader covers and water bottle bags are among the many products offered. Materials used to make the items are all donated. Bullington said Mountain Comfort Furniture, Brooks Furniture and Old Navy are all kind enough to save extra fabric for them. Sewing supplies are also donated.

The bag ladies make everything themselves. Bullington said her volunteers are all very talented, even embroidering designs on some of the items. She said the store's $1 to $20 price range is low for the quality of product the ladies produce. 100 percent of the funds go to the FIRC emergency fund, which provides cash for people in dire need of making rent or paying utilities, buying medicine and other critical needs.

The bag ladies invite the public to their shop tonight from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. They will also be at the City Market in Dillon this Saturday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Their products can be found at Divine Winery, DIllon Ridge Liquors, City Liquors, Curves and The Next Page Bookstore. Retailers do not profit from the items. Because the bag ladies are all volunteer, interested patrons must make an appointment to visit the shop through the FIRC at (970) 262-3888 ext. 306.