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Donate unused cell phones to aid victims’ services agencies

By Staff | Mar 10, 2009

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.