Cassidy Woods, a senior social work student at Pittsburg State University, is organizing a toiletry donation drive for Life Choices Health Network, a nonprofit organization in Joplin in various locations (including two in Webb City) from March 10 to April 7.

Woods’ inspiration for this project came from reading the shocking statistic that there are over 1 million cases of human trafficking per year. In Missouri alone, there were 240 cases involving 327 victims in 2021.

“It’s heartbreaking to think that people are going through so much trauma and abuse without having a way to stop it,” Woods said. “It’s time that communities come together to help stop one of the cruelest black-market industries of the world.”

Woods is collecting donations for women’s travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, hair elastics, and a brush or comb.

“Without these donations, we couldn’t do what we do,” said Karolyn Schrage, executive director of Life Choices. “These donations provide survivors with much-needed supplies to help them feel safe and get back into the community.”

Woods’ goal for the project is to raise $500 and receive 300 product donations.

“I just want survivors to feel that they are loved and cared for after experiencing perhaps the worst time of their life,” Woods said. “I never knew that trafficking was as big of a problem as it is, and I am determined to do something to help those in need in my community and raise awareness.”

The locations for the donation drive include First Christian Church of Webb City, Webb City City Hall, and Pittsburg State University in Russ Hall on the 4th floor.

Monetary donations can be sent via Venmo or Cash App to Cassidywoods15.