PHILADELPHIA – Today, the Philadelphia Commission for Women announced it will launch a personal care item drive benefiting survivors of human trafficking in observance of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, January 11.

Human trafficking, a form of modern-day slavery, occurs across the world and in our own backyards. Its victims are often children and teenagers. The National Human Trafficking Resource Center has reported 106 cases of human trafficking in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as of June 30, 2018.

“Human trafficking is a scourge on our city and our society,” said Jovida Hill, Executive Director for the Philadelphia Commission for Women. “We must remain committed to abolishing this heinous act of exploitation often enacted among our most vulnerable residents, specifically our youth, our LGBTQ community, and immigrants. We must work together to remain steadfast abolitionists and continue to fight for justice for human trafficking survivors every day.”

For the third year in a row, the Philadelphia Commission for Women will observe National Human Trafficking Awareness Day with a collection drive for personal care items to support survivors of human trafficking. All items collected will go to the Hope Bag Mission. Hope Bag Mission volunteers pack bags with emergency supplies that are distributed to social service agencies in the region that care for women and girl survivors of human trafficking.  More information about the organization can be found at thehopebagmission.com.

With a theme of “New Year, New Hope,” Hope Bags will be distributed to Dawn’s Place, Salvation Army New Day Drop in Center, Nationalities Services Center, Pathways Basic Center Program, and the School District of Philadelphia’s T.E.E.N. Program.

The Commission will be accepting the following full size items (no trial sizes please):

  • Soap or body wash
  • Lotion
  • Deodorant
  • Toothbrushes and toothpaste
  • Facial wipes
  • Personal care wipes
  • Lip balm
  • Sanitary pads and tampons
  • Combs and brushes
  • Shampoo
  • Hair conditioner
  • Inspirational paperback books
  • Journals
  • Nail polish
  • Head scarfs
  • Socks
  • Panties
  • Bras
  • Night Shirts

Items can be delivered in-person or through mail until January 31, 2019 between the hours of 9:00 am to 5:00 pm to:

Office of Public Engagement
℅ Jovida Hill, Philadelphia Commission for Women
115 City Hall
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Any questions about donations can be directed to the Philadelphia Commission for Women at 215-686-2154.

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