The desire to serve and help others remains an enduring part of many military veteran's lives, well beyond their year's of service in uniform.

In the case of disabled Army retired veteran Carol Hamel-Turczyn of Northampton, she has made it her personal mission to assist others in need.

Turczyn earlier in December opened up Na Na Sisterhood, 2002 Main St. The shop specializes and sells high quality women's purses. Sales of the purses are used to help disabled female veterans, disabled women and friends and neighbors.

The name of her business, Turczyn said, originates from a response she and her female military colleagues used in uniform when told they were unable to do something or were not permitted to have something.

"'Na na' means yes I can do it and I will overcome adversity through the strength of the sisterhood and faith in God who strengthens us all," she said.

A lifelong love of buying and collecting purses while traveling in the United States and throughout the world led Turczyn to question how she could use the countless purses she collected over the years for the betterment of others.

"I collected handbags from Europe, Paris, Italy and Spain," she said. "When you become disabled, you either eat, drink or shop. I shopped."

Pondering how she could assist others, Turczyn decided to expend her personal savings to open up the shop to sell her purses. A portion of the sales, she said, is invested in her foundation, Na Na Sisterhood.

"I sell my bags to help people who are struggling," she said. "There's women who just need their lights turned on or their heat turned on. This is why I'm here."

Recently Turczyn used proceeds from the sales of purses to assist a Northampton mother and daughter with the purchase of household items and various Christmas gifts.

Turczyn said there is a sign-up wish list book she has in her shop she uses to keep track of various needs of residents. Residents personally in need or who may know of someone in need may share those needs with Turczyn.

"There are simple things people are asking for," she said. "We also pray for women."

She began thinking about ways to help others in the community after she was honorably discharged from the military after 19 years of service. While back home in Northampton, she began to see first hand the difficulties and struggles many women were encountering. After a few years of battling for disability rights and benefits for returning Gulf War veterans all over the country and world. Turczyn, a Gulf War veteran herself, redirected her heart back to her hometown of Northampton.

"To come back to Pennsylvania and see people struggling ... that was my frustration," she said. "I felt I had to do something."

Turczyn welcomes area residents to stop by her shop, not just to browse her selection of purses, but to share their life story with her."

This is my way of giving back," she said. "This is my life's mission."

Na Na Sisterhood is open 7 days a week, from noon to 7 p.m. For more information, Turczyn can be contacted at 610-261-3344.