The restoration of human trafficking victims will be aided through a supply drive initiated by the Nurses Christian Fellowship (NCF).
Toiletries, underwear and socks for women 18 years and older will be collected through April 18. One donation box has been placed by the computer lab in the Kinesiology Building and another in the Baton Rouge Center student lounge.
“Our main goal is service and encouragement of other nursing students. Trafficking is a problem that affects people overseas, women and men in the United States, and its victims need help restoring their lives,” said Jolie Picou, vice president of NCF.  “It could be your sister, niece or even you who just falls into the trap of it. It’s important to help out and give these women hope that there is a future for them.”
NCF chooses a different service project every semester based on the members’ passions. Past projects include supporting an orphanage in Haiti and helping Hurricane Isaac victims.
“Whatever the group is passionate about at the time is where the service projects lead,” said Picou. “I’m passionate about ending human trafficking, which is what we’re doing this semester. Our supplies will be going to Hope House, and their mission is to restore the women’s lives after they have been rescued from sex trafficking.”
Human trafficking is considered modern-day slavery. According to Shared Hope International, Baton Rouge is among the top 10 cities in the U.S. for human trafficking.
“Human sex trafficking is huge, even here in the United States, but sadly not many people know about it,” said Rachel Sellers, president of NCF. “I hope we are able to help bring awareness to the issue and to help the women who have suffered from it.”
One of the primary goals of the organization is to encourage nursing students at all academic levels.
“A lot of the nursing students feel like they have a calling into the nursing profession. It’s a great encouragement for students,” said Picou. “It’s good to have seniors and first semester students together. It’s good because you can do it, and you can make it through.”
NCF members have four meetings each semester and meet at various locations in effort to accommodate nursing students’ schedules.
“This organization not only allows for fellowship, bonding and community service, but ultimately gives drive to students to shine the light of Christ and His love to the campus and surrounding areas,” said Sellers. “I feel honored that I am able to serve under such an amazing and gracious God and represent His name through this organization.”
For more information on supporting the cause or joining the organization, contact Picou at [email protected] or Sellers at [email protected].