Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, it’s difficult to ascertain exact statistics of how many people are trafficked every year. The office states a “conservative” estimate would be 2.5 million victims at any given time. Human trafficking affects every area of the world. Horrifyingly, it’s a multi-billion dollar industry for criminals.

The overwhelming amount of those trafficked are women, but statistics show men, boys, and girls are also trafficked. Although some of these victims will be forced into manual labor, the majority will end up in the sex trade.

Rethreaded is a nonprofit organization that seeks to help those affected and exploited by the sex trade, whether that’s trafficking, pornography, strip clubs, or prostitution. Based out of Jacksonville, Fla., Rethreaded helps local women through a four-month holistic training program. The training gives women (some of whom have trouble finding employment due to felony records) the chance to earn a living wage while becoming artisan seamstresses. The women at Rethreaded “upcycle” donated t-shirts into items like scarves and skirts. On a global scale, Rethreaded distributes products from around the world made by women affected by the sex trade.

The folks at Rethreaded sent me one of their beautiful Grace scarves to review. This scarf is the Original Grace Scarf in pink. When a woman enters the Rethreaded family, the Grace scarf is the first product she makes. The scarf is upcycled from a t-shirt. Each cut strip stretches into curled strands, that are then tied together. To the Rethreaded family, the scarf symbolizes grace.

“Only when we are able to give and receive grace are we able to come together as one team to make something beautiful.” -From Rethreaded.com

The scarf is comfortable and versatile. I can wear it in different ways and with both casual and dressier clothes. I love the concept behind Rethreaded. Not only are you giving money to help victims, but the scarf (or whatever item you purchase) can be a great conversation piece. I can use my scarf to open a dialogue with others about human trafficking and what they can do to help.

If you live in the Jacksonville area, you can visit the Rethreaded warehouse to shop. For the rest of us, you can shop online at Rethreaded.com, as well as learn how you can help. Click HERE to view Rethreaded’s partner organizations. (There are some gorgeous handmade products from around the world: bags, jewelry, coin purses, scarves, stationery, etc.)

Which item from Rethreaded or one of its partners would you love to own?

Note: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.