Local women can shop for new purses and/or donate gently used-purses to help victims of human trafficking at the next Soroptimist Club of Phoenixville dinner meeting, 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011 at Franklin Commons, 400 Franklin St.

   Club members and guests will learn more about the issue human trafficking, particularly in the Philadelphia region and how Change Purse, a grassroots organization, uses purses to save women and children from modern-day slavery.

   “It’s estimated 100,000 to 300,000 children in the United States are at risk for sex trafficking each year,” said Change Purse co-founder Krista Dollman, of Harrisburg.

   Change Purse collects and sells donated purses to help rescued sex slavery victims, usually girls under 18 in the United States. Founded by three stay-at-home mothers, Change Purse works to create awareness about domestic human trafficking. 

    “This is a really important issue to Soroptimists; it really ties into what we do and what we care about,” club president Patti Woodson said. Soroptimist is an international organization for business and professional women who work to improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world.

   Women interested in attending this event to learn about the issue, donate/purchase purses or check out the club are invited to come as guests. Cost is $15 and includes dinner: Chicken Primavera with Penne Pasta, tossed salad, rolls & butter, beverages (soda, coffee, water, tea) and dessert.

   To RSVP by Dec. 30, contact Sylvia Dana Atkinson at 610-350-6701 or sylviadana@kinson.us. Include your full name and phone number in your message.

   Find more details on the “Soroptomists of Phoenixville” Facebook fan page .

 

http://www.soroptimist.org/trafficking/trafficking.html

http://www.changepurse.org/

http://www.facebook.com/ChangePurse