(COLORADO SPRINGS) — As part of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, FOX21 News is teaming up with Reclaiming Hope, a local nonprofit, to host a donation drive at the end of January.
What is Reclaiming Hope?
Reclaiming Hope journeys with survivors of sex trafficking and cares for them at the point of recovery, during restoration, and reintegration by addressing their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. The nonprofit also equips local and national law enforcement and other agency partners with Hope Bags to use as they recover victims.
“These Hope Bags are made available free to our partners nationally (yes, we’ve shipped to all 50 states and three territories),” wrote Sues Hess, Executive Director for Reclaiming Hope.
According to Hess, each Hope Bag contains between 27 to 32 items including; clothing, hygiene, and comfort essentials, designed for toddlers, children, teens, and adults.
Details: Donation Drive
On Friday, Jan. 31, FOX21 and Reclaiming Hope will be hosting a donation drive to collect items to fill the nonprofit’s Hope Bags. The following are details of the event:
Date: Friday, Jan. 31, 2025
Time: Donation drive begins at 7 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m.
Location: Front entrance of FOX21 News (560 Wooten Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80915)
Volunteers from Reclaiming Hope will be collecting donations at the front entrance of FOX21 as people drive through. FOX21 and Loving Living Local’s on-air team will also be speaking with volunteers throughout the morning and evening.
“We rely on the generosity of our community to help us with donations to fill these Bags,” wrote Hess. “In 2024, we distributed over 74,000 items for the sake of survivors! That included 1,579 Hope Bags, as well as other items for local survivors we walk with.”
List: Hope Bag needs
According to Hess, as the nonprofit looks to restock its shelves this year, the following is a list of Hope Bag needs. Hess cautioned, however, that Reclaiming Hope can only accept new clothing and only travel (not hotel) size toiletries.
In the list below, the bolded items and sizes are most needed:
General Items
Stuffed Animals
Hairbrushes
Journals
Adult Male Slider Sandals
Adult Female Slider Sandals
Blankets (50 inches by 60 inches)
Female Deodorant
Hand Sanitizer
Travel Shampoo
Travel Conditioner
Travel Bodywash
Travel Lotion
Clothing Items
Adult Male Pants (Size S, L, XL, 2XL)
Adult Female Pants (Size L, 2XL)
Adult Male Hoodies (Size S, L, XL, 2XL)
Adult Female Hoodies (Size M, L, 2XL)
Adult Male Underwear (Size S, M, L, XL, 2XL)
Adult Female Boyshort Underwear (Size 6-9)
Adult Sports Bras (Size S, M, L, XL, 2XL)
Adult Male T-Shirts (Size S, M, L, XL, 2XL)
If you are unable to attend the donation drive but would still like to help out, the following are a list of ways to do so:
Email [email protected] or call (719) 425-9405 to arrange to drop off donations
Visit Reclaiming Hope’s Amazon Wish list
To learn more about Reclaiming Hope’s mission visit reclaiming-hope.org
Resources: Click for more info
Human Trafficking Task Force of Southern Colorado
Colorado Human Trafficking Council
Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking
Colorado Human Trafficking Hotline:
Call (866) 455-5075, or Text (720) 999-9724
National Human Trafficking Hotline:
Call (888) 373-7888, or Text BE FREE (233-733)
