The Zonta Club of Burbank Area took a powerful stand against human trafficking on January 26, joining forces with local organizations to raise awareness and provide critical resources to those in need. The event, held in recognition of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, brought together volunteers from Zonta, Burbank Noon Rotary, Burbank Temple Emanu El, and Burbank Noon Kiwanis for a day of education, advocacy, and action.
Participants engaged in a comprehensive training session led by experts in the field, learning how to recognize the signs of human trafficking and respond effectively. The session included real-life case studies, survivor stories, and a video presentation highlighting the scope of the issue, particularly in California—where 2,122 human trafficking cases were reported in 2023, the highest number in the nation.
Armed with this knowledge, Zonta members and volunteers worked together to label 7,000 bars of soap, makeup wipes, and hand wipes—each featuring the National Human Trafficking Hotline. These items were distributed to local hotels and urgent care centers as part of the SOAP Project, a national campaign that discreetly places life-saving information in locations where trafficking victims are likely to see them.
After the labeling session, volunteers fanned out across Burbank to personally deliver the materials, ensuring that high-risk locations had access to these essential resources.
The success of this event reinforces Zonta’s dedication to building a better world for women and girls. By increasing public awareness, educating the community, and providing tangible resources to those in need, Zonta is making a real impact in the fight against human trafficking.'
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