The Salvation Army Launches New Fundraiser to Support Survivors of Human Trafficking
PITTSBURGH (January 7, 2025) – January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and January 11 is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Throughout the first few months of the new year, The Salvation Army plans to light the way for survivors through fundraising and awareness events. Human trafficking is a global crisis that often goes unseen around the world and here at home in Pennsylvania. The Salvation Army’s LIGHT Project, Leading Individuals Gracefully out of Human Trafficking, is dedicated to educating the public and providing vital support to survivors in Pittsburgh and The Salvation Army’s surrounding 28-county Western Pennsylvania service area.
The Global Estimates of Modern Slavery report by the United Nations International Labor Organization, Walk Free and the International Organization for Migration estimates 50 million people are enslaved across the world today. Locally, the LIGHT Project serves all genders and helps survivors of both labor and sex trafficking residing within Western Pennsylvania. Since its inception in 2018, The Salvation Army’s LIGHT Project has served 230 survivors. Last year the LIGHT Project served 124 survivors – 91 survivors who escaped sex trafficking and 33 survivors of labor trafficking.
For the first time, thanks to a dedicated committee of volunteers, The Salvation Army will host a fundraiser exclusively for the LIGHT Project. On Saturday, March 29, The Salvation Army invites supporters to Hope in a Handbag. This silent auction at Montour Heights Country Club will feature themed handbags ranging from designer to non-designer, vintage, and gently used, ensuring there's something for every attendee's taste. Combined with lunch, it promises to be a delightful and engaging event for everyone involved. Visit salvationarmywpa.org/handbag to purchase a ticket and learn how to become a sponsor of this inaugural event. Donors wishing to provide the gift of hope through a handbag can click on this wish list, www.DreamList.com/for/hopeinahandbag2024, to choose a purse to donate or to contribute a gift card.
On Wednesday, January 29, The Salvation Army will host a forum for agencies, law enforcement and service providers to collaborate and discuss ways to unite to end human trafficking. Registration is required in advance to attend Empowering the Voiceless: A Collaborative Approach to Ending Human Trafficking. Visit salvationarmywpa.org/ahtforum to register for this free, informative morning event.
“The LIGHT Project has become a vital lifeline for those impacted by human trafficking in Western Pennsylvania,” Lauren Fair, Divisional Director of Social Services for The Salvation Army of Western Pennsylvania said. “We are grateful for the opportunity to raise awareness and secure the funds needed to continue this crucial work. This support empowers our dedicated staff and enables strong partnerships with local organizations. Together, we can continue to guide survivors on their path to safety, stability and self-sufficiency.”
Visit salvationarmywpa.org/lightproject and follow @TheLIGHTProjectWPA on Instagram to learn more about this local initiative. To help increase awareness, The Salvation Army has created t-shirts for supporters to wear proudly, with a donation of $25 or more to the program. Sizing is limited, visit salvationarmywpa.org/givelight to make a donation and receive a t-shirt while supplies last.
The Salvation Army has historically been on the frontlines fighting human trafficking since the time of founders William and Catherine Booth in London, England – who advocated to raise the legal age of consent and the minimum age to work in factories. The Salvation Army has 40 anti-trafficking programs across the nation, including the LIGHT Project in Western Pennsylvania. For immediate support, call the 24/7 national human trafficking hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or text “befree” (233733) to get connected across the United States.
Celebrating over 150 years of global service as both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began in London, England in 1865. Today, it provides critical services in 134 countries worldwide. The 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division serves thousands of needy families through a wide variety of support services. To learn more about The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania, visit salvationarmywpa.org. The Salvation Army … doing the most good for the most people in the most need.