The Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force (OCHTTF) had a booth during the run of the Orange County Fair this year to promote awareness of what is happening in the local area.
Soroptimist International of Brea/La Habra manned the booth on Saturday, August 8. I am sure that everyone who volunteered to work came away feeling that the time spent at the booth was was well worth it. Many people who passed by asked if there really is a problem in Orange County and were incredulous to find out that it is a thriving, underground business.
At one point, a gentleman from the area stopped by with his teenage son and talked about what goes on in his community. He pointed out that, depending on the country of origin a trafficked person, prices vary for getting into the United States. He stated how much a person had to pay: from Mexico, $5,000; from Cambodia, $10,000; and from El Salvador (or possibly Guatamala as his English was difficult to follow), $15,000. When asked if this was what he did, he replied, no, that he was a teacher and taught computers within his community.
Many people were happy to take the pens and informational postcard that also included the National Hotline number, 888-3737-888. If the word trickles out to the general public and helps at least one victim of human trafficking, the constant effort to create awareness is time well spent.
Thanks to all those who volunteered their time throughout the Fair!
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