As we settle to this new semester, it is time to start thinking about how we can all make the most of every opportunity here at Roanoke College. As one of the many news sources at the college, The Brackety-Ack would like to inform you of an easy way to give back right here on campus. I had the pleasure of attending a presentation given by senior Addy Hecker, who recently completed an internship with the human trafficking prevention organization, Our Rescue. The organization works to prevent human trafficking, and it assists survivors in their recovery. As her effort in making a difference, Addy is organizing a campus-wide clothing drive where students can drop off gently used clothes in dorm buildings, the Residence Life Center, the Colket Center, the Cregger Center, the Fowler House, and Fintel Library.
The clothing drive is the perfect opportunity for students to do some mid-semester cleaning, as the event lasts from Monday, September 15th, through Monday, November 3rd. Although it seems like a small gesture, these clothes will make a huge difference in the lives of survivors. In speaking with Addy Hecker, she shared this shocking statistic: “Only 5% of survivors who leave sex trafficking will have access to the resources they need to find freedom, healing, and hope for a future”. This means that 95% of human trafficking survivors lack necessities”. During her presentation, Addy also shared a personal encounter she had with a survivor during her internship, and how it caused her to realize just how much survivors rely on clothing donations from the community.
As we are all getting ready for fall break in a few weeks, it is the perfect opportunity to start thinking about cleaning out our closets at home. Addy said it best herself, stating, “Many of us likely have clothes lying around our homes that we never wear. Why not donate to someone in need? Your donation can be the difference in helping a survivor begin to heal.” Addy’s goal in this campus clothing drive is to spread awareness and spread the movement to the Roanoke community and surrounding college campuses. Lastly, this campus clothing drive is just one of many chances to make a difference for others right here on campus. Be sure to stay informed and updated on the numerous opportunities that this semester will bring.
Madeline Wall
Staff Reporter
