The Zonta Club of Riverside carried out a community outreach effort Saturday as part of The SOAP Project, a national initiative aimed at combating human trafficking. Volunteers spent the morning preparing bars of soap labeled with the National Human Trafficking Hotline number before delivering them to local hotels, motels and community centers.
The effort is meant to give Riverside's hospitality industry tools to recognize and respond to signs of trafficking, an issue advocates say can be difficult to detect in transient lodging settings where victims may have few safe ways to ask for help.
Club members met with hotel and motel staff throughout the day to discuss warning signs of trafficking and how employees can safely respond if they suspect a guest is in danger. Several participating businesses also received informational materials and training resources along with the soap supplies.
"The Soap Project is a powerful reminder that even the smallest item can carry a lifeline for someone in desperate need," Debbie Waltzer, president of the Zonta Club of Riverside, said in a statement. "At the Zonta Club of Riverside, we are committed to using this initiative to raise awareness, connect victims of human trafficking to help, and inspire our community to take action."
The Zonta Club of Riverside regularly hosts educational meetings on human trafficking and partners with advocacy organizations, including the i5 Freedom Network and The SOAP Project, to distribute hotline-labeled supplies to venues considered high-risk for trafficking activity.
Anyone who suspects trafficking activity is encouraged to contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
The Soap Project distribution is one of several community initiatives the club has planned this year. The Zonta Club of Riverside is also hosting a Christmas in July Bunco fundraiser on July 25 at 1 p.m. at the Arlington Library, with proceeds benefiting the Zonta Club of Riverside Charitable and Educational Fund, including the Basic Needs Resource Center at Riverside City College. Tickets are $20 per person or $80 per table. More event details are available on the Gazette's calendar.
More information: Visit zontariverside.org.
