Abstract: A support structure for a sealable plastic bag, the structure comprises a receptacle having a top and a bottom, the bottom of the receptacle adapted to contact a surface so that the receptacle is capable of standing in an upright position, the top of the receptacle comprising an elliptically-shaped opening, the elliptically-shaped opening being defined by a rim of the receptacle and having two opposing narrower ends at the rim; the rim of the elliptically-shaped opening having at least two notches, wherein one of the said two notches is disposed at the first of the two narrower ends of the elliptically-shaped opening, and wherein a second of the said two notches is disposed at the second of the two narrower ends of the elliptically-shaped opening in the receptacle. A method of filling a sealable plastic bag utilizing the support structure is also disclosed.