[Charity] "Girls Are Not For Sale" Drive

I recently received an email from a friend of mine in NYC who is helping out the organization called "GEMS- Girls Education and Mentoring Services." The organization specifically addresses survivors and victims of sexual exploitation and trafficking. This is a huge issue in today's society not only in the United States but all over the world.

We've talked about this subject on the show briefly last week but in order to really understand how bad the situation is and how the GEM organization helps, visit them at http://www.gems-girls.org/

They also have a documentary about the sexual exploitation titled "Very Young Girls". Here's the trailer.

To watch the full documentary you can check it out on Netflix.

My dear friend Alena is requesting items to be donated for the drive. To those who live out of the state (and others if they prefer) can donate an American Express Gift card which will be used to buy items requested rather to ship things which will be more costly. She is asking for all donations to be given by December 15th. You can contact Alena via email at coogiecruz@gmail.com or via twitter at www.twitter.com/CoogieCruz  to arrange pick ups or where to mail the gift cards.

On behalf of APOPA we ask you to please help these ladies out. Please spread the word!!!

Here are the items that are being asked to be donated...

Housewarming Care Packages*

Bedroom

Full-sized Sheets

Pillows

Blankets

Bathroom

Towels

Wash Clothes

Bath Mats

Shower Curtains

Shower Curtain Rings

Mirrors

Kitchen

Spoons, Forks, Knives

Plates

Cups

Ice Trays

Pots

Pans

Kitchen Utensils (i.e. Spatulas, Can Openers)

Tupperware

Baking Sheets

Basic Care Packages*

Toothbrush

Toothpaste

Mouthwash

Floss

Soap

Shampoo

Conditioner

Tampons/Pads

Body Lotion

Hairbrush

Elastics

Deodorant

Razor

Non-perishable Food

Ramen Noodles

Individual cereal boxes

Microwavable dinners

Juice Boxes

Microwavable popcorn

Microwavable soups

Sodas

Powdered Drink Mixes

Potato Chips

Corn Chips

Fruit Cups

Clothing (Please note: We are in need of women’s sizes ranging from XS – XXL and 0 – 16 for teens and young adults)

Undergarments*

Underwear (various sizes)

Cotton Tank Tops (various sizes)

Pajamas

Bras (various sizes)

Light-weight and heavy socks

Casual

Jeans

Shirts

T-Shirts

Skirts

Dresses

Sweaters

Winter Coats

Winter Gloves

Winter Scarves

Winter Hats

Professional Attire

Blazers

Dress Pants

Skirts

Shirts

Dresses

Blouses

Suits

Handbags

Belts

Scarves

Shoes

Sandals

Sneakers

Ballet Slippers

Office- appropriate pumps

Office-appropriate loafers

Office-appropriate boots

Winter Boots

* These items must be new and unopened.