Hope in a Handbag: The Salvation Army Fundraiser Lights the Way for Survivors of Human Trafficking

PITTSBURGH (January 8, 2026) – January marks National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and January 11 is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, a time to shine a light on a global crisis that often goes unseen. The Salvation Army’s LIGHT Project, Leading Individuals Gracefully out of Human Trafficking is dedicated to educating the public and providing vital support to survivors in Pittsburgh and The Salvation Army’s surrounding 28-county Western Pennsylvania service area.

The Global Estimates of Modern Slavery report by the United Nations International Labor Organization, Walk Free and the International Organization for Migration estimates 50 million people are enslaved across the world today. Locally, the LIGHT Project serves all genders and helps survivors of both labor and sex trafficking residing within Western Pennsylvania. The mission of the LIGHT Project is to support survivors and combat human trafficking by providing housing assistance, advocacy, trauma-informed guidance, as well as transportation, food, clothing and emergency services to survivors. The Salvation Army also provides training to law enforcement, healthcare providers, social workers, students and professionals in industries most vulnerable to trafficking, including hospitality, agriculture, food service and transportation. Since its inception in 2018, The Salvation Army’s LIGHT Project has served 328 survivors during moments of crisis and the program has educated more than 3,000 individuals.

This spring, community members have a powerful opportunity to support this life-changing work at The Salvation Army’s second annual Hope in a Handbag fundraising event on Saturday, April 25 at Montour Heights Country Club. This luncheon will be an afternoon of purpose, community and inspiration featuring themed handbags ranging from designer to non-designer, vintage, and gently used, ensuring there's something for every attendee's taste. Visit salvationarmywpa.org/handbag to reserve your seat and learn how to become a sponsor. Donors wishing to provide the gift of hope through a handbag can click on this wish list, https://salarmy.us/47WCWdu, to choose a purse to donate or to contribute a gift card.

“The LIGHT Project is more than a program, it has become a vital lifeline and a promise to survivors they are not alone,” said Lauren Fair, Divisional Director of Social Services for The Salvation Army of Western Pennsylvania. “Our partnerships and our community are the keys to lighting the way for those impacted by trafficking in Western Pennsylvania. We are deeply grateful for this support that empowers our team.”

The Salvation Army has historically been on the frontlines fighting human trafficking since the time of founders William and Catherine Booth in London, England – who advocated to raise the legal age of consent and the minimum age to work in factories. The Salvation Army has 40 anti-trafficking programs across the nation, including the LIGHT Project in Western Pennsylvania. For immediate support, call the 24/7 national human trafficking hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or text “befree” (233733) to get connected across the United States.

Visit salvationarmywpa.org/lightproject and follow @TheLIGHTProjectWPA on Instagram to learn more about this local initiative. 

Celebrating more than 160 years of global service as both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began in London, England in 1865. Today, it provides critical services in 134 countries worldwide. The 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division serves thousands of families and individuals in need through a wide variety of support services. To learn more about The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania, visit salvationarmywpa.org. The Salvation Army … doing the most good for the most people in the most need.