Walker Community Church hosted the fifth annual Walk for Freedom event Saturday, Oct. 18, with 20 participants joining an hour-long walk along Copper Road to raise awareness about human trafficking.
The event was organized by Danielle and Kevin Carroll, who also led fundraising efforts for their new outreach initiative, Rocking K&D Ministries, focused on supporting survivors of human trafficking. After the walk, participants enjoyed live music and brisket plates, with proceeds benefiting the new ministry.
This year’s turnout marked the largest participation in the event’s fiveyear history.
“One year we had around six participants,” Kevin Carroll said. “Our first year we had four.”
The Carrolls credited the increased turnout partly to a change in venue.
“We used to host these walks in the city on Main Street,” Danielle Carroll said. “But they wanted to charge me $400. My church, Walker Community Church, was more than happy to host.”
The decision to hold the event at the church also aligned with the couple’s new ministry, which grew from Danielle Carroll’s personal experiences as a survivor of human trafficking.
“I was trafficked myself at 16,” she said. “Then my late husband used me by selling me to VIPs at strip clubs. It hurts me to see it, and we know it’s going on around here.”
Carroll said some in the community remain hesitant to acknowledge the issue, but she hopes continued outreach will help raise awareness and support for those affected. “We have a lot of trafficking around here, and I try to make everyone aware, but no one wants to hear it,” she said. “It’s a ministry God has put in our hands.”
Although the new ministry is seeking donations, Carroll emphasized that participation in the Walk for Freedom remains free.
“We will be selling brisket plates, and we have a silent auction going on,” she said. “Donations are highly encouraged.”
As part of the event, Carroll also taught participants how to recognize and use the SOS hand signal — a discreet gesture that can alert others when a person is in danger.
“You’ll see people do it behind their backs so their abductor cannot see,” she said.
Those wishing to contribute to Rocking K&D Ministries can contact the Carrolls at [email protected]
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