In recognition of Human Trafficking Awareness Month in January, The United Family joined several organizations to raise awareness on the issue with the Texas Blue Sand Project.

The United Family's support came in a few ways:

1) Providing free packets of blue sand to guests at all United Express locations across Lubbock. Participants were asked to spread the blue sand in cracks in the sidewalk on Jan. 26 to represent "how communities can prevent victims from falling through the cracks by raising awareness and education," according to a news release from The United Family. The Texas Blue Sand Project was developed by the Texas Attorney General’s Office and supported by three local organizations that help human trafficking and sexual assault survivors: One Voice Home, Voice of Hope, and Open Door. This is The United Family's third year participating.

2) Continuing to display stickers with hotlines human trafficking victims can call or text to get help. These stickers are posted in the bathrooms of every store and fuel station where The United Family operates.

“Some people may see human trafficking as a problem that only happens in other parts of the world, but in reality, it also happens right here in our backyard,” Angelos Lambis, director of fuel & convenience for The United Family, said in a news release. “Participating in the Texas Blue Sand Project and putting up these stickers are examples of something we can do to help. We are proud to once again join with these organizations to do our part in raising awareness.”

In 2021 alone, Voice of Hope served 58 people who had been involved in human trafficking; 5 percent of them were 17 and younger, according to the organization's Facebook page.

Those participating in the Texas Blue Sand Project were asked to share images of their blue sand on social media with #TXBlueSandProject. Here are some of their posts:

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