RAPID CITY - Together, Zonta Club of the Black Hills and Eagle Sales are working to bring awareness to the growing issue of human trafficking.

During the 76th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, which officially runs Aug. 8-14, Eagle Sales delivery trucks will display an anti-human trafficking decal featuring the anti-trafficking helpline number – 1-888-2727-888. “Eagle Sales of the Black Hills wanted to get involved and help the Zonta organization, and specifically spread the message about human trafficking,” says Mary Helland, co-owner of Eagle Sales.

Human trafficking is a modern form of slavery, with sex trafficking the most common form. It’s an issue affecting the country as a whole. Since 2007, the National Human Trafficking Resource Center has dealt with approximately 130,000 cases in the U.S. During that same period, South Dakota has seen 43 official cases of human tracking. As of June this year, eight cases of human trafficking had already been reported in South Dakota.

During the annual Sturgis Rally, law enforcement agencies have stepped up efforts to recognize and eradicate trafficking. During the Sturgis Rally last year, four men were arrested in human trafficking cases. In 2014, five were arrested. The cases have involved girls as young as 12.

“A lot of people do not understand that human trafficking happens here in the Black Hills, especially during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally,” says Jessica Larson, president of Zonta Club of the Black Hills.

The decals on the Eagle Sales trucks read, “Zonta says No to Human Trafficking,” and each features the helpline number. Zonta Club of the Black Hills urges anyone who sees something suspicious or anyone who needs help to call the number.

Other local businesses participating in this awareness campaign are: Harley Davidson of the Black Hills, Common Cents Stores and Fisher Beverage.

For more information about Zonta Club of the Black Hills and its work to raise awareness about human trafficking, go to http://zontacluboftheblackhills.org/ For more information about Eagle Sales, visit http://www.abwholesaler.com/group05/eaglesalesblackhills/home