In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Human Trafficking Awareness Month, Student United Way – Crookston Chapter joined forces with the Sisters of St. Joseph to work on a project called S.O.A.P. (Stop Our Adolescents from Prostitution). The students put labels on soaps that contain the National Human Trafficking Hotline. These soaps, along with tips on what to do if you suspect someone is a victim of human trafficking, will be delivered to key hotels in the Crookston community. Martin Luther King, Jr. fought for human rights and equality for everyone, which is why the United Way student chapter felt this project aligned with his message. There are an estimated 20.9 Million people trapped in some form of slavery today. It’s sometimes called “Modern-Day Slavery” and sometimes “Human Trafficking.” In Minnesota, the Human Trafficking Hotline received 211 calls in 2016, and out of those calls, 62 were from victims and survivors. Fifty-two cases were reported that same year.
To learn more about human trafficking click here. To learn how you can help, click here.
