Donate unused cell phones to aid victims’ services agencies
In an effort to help domestic violence shelters and elder services, one can now put an unused cell phone to use.
Each year, approximately 130 million wireless cell phones are retired in the U.S. Other studies have estimated there are more than 500 million cell phones lying idle in drawers, closets and toy boxes throughout America. While most of us consider our cell phones to be items we cannot live without, they are easily replaceable, and what do we do with the older, used models?
A wireless industry survey indicated that 70 percent of U.S. consumers
have no idea what to do with their used phones. Of those, 90 percent said
they would donate the phones if given the opportunity.
Your home probably has an old cell phone or two sitting in your desk, your
closet or your bookcase. You don’t want to throw it out, because it seems
like there still ought to be some value left in that device. And you’re
right. Those wireless phones can support thousands of vulnerable citizens
nationwide. A donation may help a senior citizen enjoy an added measure of
security, or give hope to a victim of domestic abuse. So where can you
take your unused phones?
Randy Thomas, owner of Sunshine Pack & Ship Moving in Cape Coral, is
helping gather them for a worthy cause. Phones accumulated at Thomas’s
store will be turned over to the 911 Cell Phone Bank. This organization
collects, recycles and distributes over 2,000 phones per month to law
enforcement and victim services agencies.
“Seniors and victims of abuse really need a phone for emergency use,” said
Thomas. “We’d not only like to help get them a phone, but help the
community as well by promoting recycling, which will keep these phones out
of landfills.” Thomas said 911 Cell Phone Bank has been operating since
May of 2004, and is a worthy organization. In the past five years, the
organization has provided tens of thousands of cell phones nationwide.
To donate a phone, take it into the Sunshine Pack & Ship Moving located at
2635 9th Avenue in Cape Coral. “We’ll make sure donations get to the 911
Cell Phone Bank and begin the process of recycling them for use to people
in need,” said Thomas.
As a thank-you, Thomas said donors will receive a flyer good for free
copies, discounts on shipping and more, all provided by Sunshine Pack &
Ship Moving. “We hope the community will go through their closets, drawers
and boxes and pull out all those unused cell phones,” commented Thomas.
“Our goal is to send 911 Cell Phone Bank over 100 phones in March. And
this event should be a win-win for everyone. The donor is involved in
recycling a needed item to a person in need, while getting a thank-you
gift in return.”
The giving spirit most often associated with the December holidays doesn’t
need to stop in the new year. This program keeps that giving spirit alive,
helping many in need feel more safe and secure, Thomas said.
The local Sunshine Pack & Ship Moving store is located at 2635 9th Avenue
in Cape Coral, and can be reached by calling (239) 567-4455.