Rosemary Grove Taking Bra Donations to Help Sex Trafficking Victims

Rosemary Grove, a fair trade shop in Downtown Kirkwood, is hosting a bra donation drive to send to Free the Girls, a charity that aids women rescued from sex trafficking in Mozambique.

Rosemary Grove Owner Sarah Wood said, so far, they've collected 60 bras in 15 days. The drive started April 1 and will continue through June.

"People want to help but have no time," Wood said. "This is a small but significant way to help."

Rosemary Grove is asking for $1 per bra donated to help with shipping costs. Free the Girls will then send the donations to Mozambique where women rescued from human trafficking can sell the gently-used bras to the public to create their own income. Wood said this sense of ownership helps to teach sustainability and encourage independence, Wood said.

"It's going to be a transition for these ladies," Wood told Patch. "This is a way to help them discover independence from their addictions and abuse."

Rosemary Grove is also accepting donations for the Covering House, a St. Louis-based organization that also helps sex trafficking victims.

Donations can be dropped off at Rosemary Grove or mailed to the shop at 101A West Argonne Drive. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

What do you think? What other efforts have you seen in Kirkwood to help communities around the world? Have you shopped at Rosemary Grove? Tell us in the comments.

Updated: April 19 at 6:20 p.m. 

Editor's Note: This post has been updated to provide more accurate information.