Victims of human trafficking are helped by Women at Risk International (WAR). This U.S.-based non-profit organization rescues, restores and empowers victims both in the United States and internationally. Victims and their children are helped through education, safe houses, job skills training, counseling, child care, health services and more.

WAR raises funds for this effort in part by selling jewelry, scarves, toys, ornaments, gifts, home décor and more. Many of the products are created by victims who want to become financially independent. Becoming financially stable by learning a trade is essential for many to remain free of the sex industry and to minimize risk for victims’ children.

The public can learn about human trafficking and help empower victims by attending one of three Women At Risk shopping events.

The first will be 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, at the county Community Center, 1512 S. U.S. Route 68, Urbana.

The second event is 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Women At Risk vendor booth in the St. Paris Municipal Building, 135 W. Main St., during Christmas in the Village. Other craft vendors, Santa, a live nativity, sleigh rides and more are planned in St. Paris that day.

The third event is noon-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at Mt. Carmel Friends Church, 3470 Kennard Kingscreek Road.

All monies collected during the events go to Women At Risk International. For more information about human trafficking and Women At Risk, go to http://warinternational.org.