GRAND
RAPIDS, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – ArtPrize is in full swing in Grand
Rapids, and the event is being used to raise awareness not only of
art, but also about sex trafficking.
A
Grand Rapids group is hoping that a 'milk' carton giveaway at
ArtPrize will draw attention to the cause of human sex trafficking
and child homelessness. They hope that giving away cartons containing
water will help make people more aware of the problem in West
Michigan.
More
than 6,000 cartons of water will be given out along the blue bridge
in Grand Rapids over the weekend, all of them asking the same
question, 'Have you seen me?' tying into 'The Child' exhibit which
showcases a sexual assault victim from West Michigan.
“No
one wakes up one morning and says 'I am going to sell myself today or
be sold,'” said Andy Soper of the Manasseh Project.
The
Manesseh Project says that many homeless kids are sexually exploited
and are working to raise awareness of the warning signs of
trafficking.
“There
is no one watching out for them, so they do what they have to do to
survive on the streets,” said Soper.
Anywhere
from 1.6 to 2.8 million kids run away each year, but not enough of us
know why it is happening.
“Clue
people in as to why a child runs away from home,” said Soper.
“There is so much sexual abuse and physical abuse and they are
primed to their life for that.”
The
Manasseh Project is hoping that the cartons, which feature a West
Michigan survivor, paired with the exhibit, will open a dialogue.
“We
wanted to target young families because they are in the neighborhood
and see children moor often,” said Soper. “Can they get more
involved in their child's school, can they coach, that sort of thing,
we want people to take an action step afterwords.”
They
also want to help victims know that they are not alone.
“We're
expecting to see an influx of people mentoring and people dealing
with their own trauma,” said Soper.
That
carton giveaway starts Friday night at 5:00 pm and runs through
Sunday. It will also occur next weekend. More than 15,000 cartons
will be given out.
Related Stories
- More State News
- National News
- International News
- Mich. soldier who lost limbs gets big game welcome
- Boy, 4, dies after slipping under homecoming float
- ArtPrize announces winners of 2012 competition
- Mich. reports 6 meningitis cases tied to outbreak
- Detroit man charged in chase that injured officer
- Detroit mayor to address police chief's suspension
- Lansing faces projected $11M budget deficit
- Homeless man recovering after legs set on fire
- Speeding suspect causes accident in Warren, dies
- Ex-Michigan charter school director facing charges
-
Share the Warmth
Share the Warmth
-
Closings & Delays
School and business closings in West Michigan.
-
Michigan Lottery
Most Recent Winning Numbers from the Michigan Lottery.
-
Closing Alerts
Have school and business closings sent to your cell phone.
-
Community Services
Community services in West Michigan.
-
Community Calendar
The latest events from around West Michigan.
-
Gas Tracker
Get the latest info on gas prices.
-
Pro Football Contest
Play the Pro Football Contest on wwmt.com.
-
Hey! It's Half Off!
Find great local deals at Hey! It's Half Off!
-
Race To The Flag
Just pick the 10 drivers you think will finish 1st through 10th for each race and your top 15 races count as your overall score.
-
Movie Mania
Win DVDs, Posters, T-Shirts and more!
WWMT Top Stories
Business News
US unemployment falls to 7.8 pct., a 44-month low
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The government reports the nation's jobless rate fell to 7.8 percent last month. It has slipped below 8 percent for the first time in nearly four years with the election a month away.
Consumer Info
FDA fights Web pharmacies selling unapproved drugs
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Food and Drug Administration is stepping up its fight against counterfeit and other potentially harmful medicine sold over the Internet. ...
Entertainment News
BARBARA WALTERS IN THE MIDDLE OF MARIAH-MINAJ FIGHT
NEW YORK (AP) -- Barbara Walters is now in the middle of the fight between Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey on "American Idol."
Get This
DEBATE-LATE NIGHT COMICS
UNDATED (AP) -- The late night comics are letting President Barack Obama have it over his debate performance.
Science/Tech News
IN THE NEWS: TWITTER REACTION TO FIRST PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE
WASHINGTON (AP) -- These days, you don't have to wait for the people in the "spin room" or the talking heads to tell you how a presidential debate went.