Written By: Prince William County
When human trafficking survivors are recovered, they often do not have many (or any) personal belongings and are wearing the same clothing that they wore when trafficked. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children established the “hope bag” collection years ago and has since encouraged local communities to continue this effort.
Law enforcement agencies provide “hope bags” to human trafficking survivors. These are simple cinch sacks or backpacks that contain basic clothing and hygiene items and snacks. They allow survivors to shower and change into clean clothes after they are recovered.
Prince William County is supporting the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services’ (DCJS) effort to collect “hope bags” this month. DCJS will distribute donated items to law enforcement partners who are first responders to these situations.
The list of needed items is provided below. To donate to the “hope bag” collection, please contact Phyllis Jennings-Holt in the Prince William County Department of Social Services by Nov. 30, 2020, for drop-off location information.
Requested Donation Items
Cinch sack or basic backpack
Clothing
- Flip flops
- T-shirt (no messages)
- Socks
- Sports bra
- Sweatpants or comfortable leggings
- Sweatshirt
- Underwear
Hygiene Items
- Chap-Stick
- Face wipes or travel size facial cleanser
- Feminine hygiene products
- Hairbrush
- Toothbrush
- Travel size floss
- Travel size hand lotion
- Travel size Kleenex
- Travel size mouthwash
- Travel size shampoo
- Travel size toothpaste
- Travel size body wash or bar soap
- Travel size deodorant
Additional Items
- $10 gift card to common fast food restaurants
- Blanket
- Bottled water
- Headbands or hair elastics (ponytail holders)
- Individual size shelf stable snacks (i.e. pretzels, granola bars, protein bars, crackers, etc.)
- Small journal notebook w/pen
- Towels (bath and washcloth)