The Bakhita Empowerment Initiative has teamed up with Catholic Charities of Louisville and Catholic Charities Diocese of Owensboro for a new fundraising event. It's a Quarter Drive that seeks to raise money for child and adult victims of sex and labor trafficking here in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

It's true. Many people aren't keenly aware of trafficking and the fact that it is indeed a major issue of concern here in the U.S. It's also a major concern right here in Kentucky.  Heidi Reyes leads BEI and says the numbers of victims here in the state is astounding.

For instance, just last Fall, her office was involved with a major labor trafficking investigation that was a joint effort involving local law enforcement, the FBI, the U.S. Department of Labor and the Department of Homeland Security. That investigation resulted in the discovery of over a dozen victims.

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Human trafficking is an ongoing threat and the Bakhita Empowerment Initiative works with survivors. That's why the Quarter Drive is so important. Heidi says that money raised will be used for food, laundry, transportation, etc. All donations will be directly distributed to individuals being served by the program.

If you'd like to make a donation, there is a drop-off location available at Catholic Charities of Owensboro at 600 Locust Street.

Or you can make a donation via the Catholic Charities of Louisville by CLICKING HERE.

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