The United Family joined local organizations One Voice Home, Voice of Hope and Open Door Jan. 11 to kick off the Texas Blue Sand Project and bring awareness to the issue of human trafficking on the South Plains. January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month.
This will be the third year that The United Family has joined these local organizations in promoting the Texas Blue Sand Project, an initiative developed by the Texas Attorney General’s Office to bring awareness to the issue of human trafficking by spreading blue sand in the cracks of sidewalks. The blue sand in the cracks of sidewalks represents how communities can prevent victims from falling through the cracks by raising awareness and education.
In addition, The United Family is continuing a sticker campaign to help raise awareness while also providing a lifeline to victims. The stickers will be placed in the bathroom of every store and fuel station across The United Family’s area of operation. It will include both a hotline number for victims to call and a number to text.
“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,” said Angelos Lambis, director of fuel and convenience for The United Family.
“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.”
While supplies last, guests will find free packets of blue sand at all United Express locations across Lubbock. On Jan. 26, community members are asked to join in and spread the blue sand in the cracks of sidewalks across their communities. Community members can share a picture on social media with the #TXBlueSandProject.
“We are so thankful to the United Family for their partnership as we continue to support survivors in the community,” said Matt Duenes, Voice of Hope. “We hope everyone joins us on Jan. 26 as we participate in the Texas Blue Sand Project.”
One Voice Home, Voice of Hope and Open Door are organizations in the Lubbock community that work together to provide help for survivors of sex trafficking and sexual assault.
The United Family operates 96 stores under five banners: United Supermarkets, Market Street, Amigos, Albertsons Market and United Express, along with ancillary operations R.C. Taylor Distributing, Praters, United Food and Beverage Services and Llano Logistics. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Albertsons Cos.
