The Iron Mountain-Kingsford Zonta organizations have teamed up with UP Special Delivery to raise awareness about human trafficking. A large banner is now displayed along U.S. 2 at Town & Country Ford in Quinnesec. From left are Zonta members Gail Vornkahl, Debbie Crandall, Kari Waise, Beth Linn, Michaela Gagnon, Toni Lori, Patti Roginski; US Special Delivery Fleet Director Christopher Olson; Zonta Member and US Special Delivery HR/Marketing Manager Raquel Reed; and Zonta members Mary Munson, Debb Hoseit, Patricia Staller, Nancy Finch, Lisa Bosley and Tamara Juul. (Iron Mountain Daily News photo)

QUINNESEC — Statistics show that Michigan ranks amongst the top states in the country for human trafficking cases — and many more that go unreported.

The Zonta Clubs of Iron Mountain-Kingsford and Marquette areas have teamed up with US Special Delivery to promote awareness of human trafficking.

A large banner with the phrase “Hidden In Plain Sight, End Human Trafficking in the U.P.” has been mounted to the side of a semi-trailer donated by US Special Delivery that sits along U.S. 2 at Town & Country Ford in Quinnesec.

Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. Each year, millions of men, women and children are trafficked worldwide.

Iron Mountain-Kingsford Zonta Club member Raquel Reed explained that this can happen in any community, and victims can be of any age, race, gender or nationality.

“Right now it’s huge — and it has reached the U.P. of Michigan,” Reed said. “And so many people don’t realize it.”

The goal of the project was to create awareness and educate the public about human trafficking.

Steve Juul of Town & Country was asked about providing the space for the trailer and was happy to be able to partner with the organizations.

“This location is perfect — it provides good exposure and can reach thousands of motorists that pass through each day,” said Reed, adding the banner will be displayed for at least six months.

Reed, who also is the human resource and marketing manager at US Special Delivery, thought partnering with the trucking company made sense, in that truck stops can be sites for this type of crime.

The Marquette club was able to connect them with the banner manufacturer.

“To educate people is the most important. Because what you don’t know, you don’t know,” she said. “We are trying to make people aware that you can help in your own little way.”

For help or to report someone who is a victim, call or text the Upper Peninsula Human Trafficking Task Force at 906-299-9243.

The UPHTTF will be able to provide information and share how how to get help.

You can also get help from the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733). The national hotline is available to answer calls, texts and chats from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year.

Reed noted that Zonta International has always advocated for human rights and empowering people to help get them out of difficult situations.

“We are hoping this will help shed some light that it is right here,” Reed said.