Project Rescue volunteers spread human trafficking awareness during annual Red Bucket Day

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/FOX58) — When driving around Bakersfield today, you might see some people dressed in human trafficking awareness shirts, holding red buckets with signs that read, "Stop Human Trafficking," as the 10th annual Red Bucket Day kicks off Friday morning.

It's organized annually by Project Rescue and CityServe, whose mission is to raise awareness about human trafficking in Kern County.

Project Rescue comprises volunteers who are passionate about seeing victims of human trafficking set free while also spreading awareness of this issue in Bakersfield by partnering with local law enforcement and the Kern County Coalition Against Human Trafficking, among others.

Throughout the year, they unite efforts and host several events to raise funds and awareness to free captives nationally and locally.

As part of the organization's awareness campaign, leading up to its annual Red Bucket Day, they partnered with the city's Golden Empire Transit (GET) to wrap its buses in hopes of spreading awareness, hosted the Red and White Gala event, along with a press conference earlier in March, so the community can understand what to do when they suspect human trafficking.

Last year, they raised thousands of dollars, and this year, they hope to raise more than $25,000 at the day-long Red Bucket Day and will give all proceeds to the Kern Coalition Against Human Trafficking (KCAHT).

To participate, you can make a monetary donation to volunteers, and in turn, donors will get an informational card with resources at four locations on Friday, April 12, from 7 a.m. to about 5 p.m. at:

• Hodel's Restaurant: near the intersection of Knudsen and Olive Drive
• Sully's Chevron: on Coffee Drive near the intersection of Stockdale and Gosford
• Sully's Chevron near the intersection of Ming and Buena Vista
• Luigi's Restaurant: 19th Street ( 11:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, March 31)

If you suspect human trafficking, call the National Numan Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text "BeFree" to 233733. You can also contact your local police department if you think the individual is in immediate danger.

You can find details about Project Rescue by visiting its website here.

Eyewitness News reporter Tony Salazar was live at Sully's Chevron on Coffee Drive near Stockdale and Gosford Road intersection as Project Rescue's 10th annual Red Bucket Day kicks off.