Old cell phones can serve useful purpose for victims

Sarah Smith
October 30, 2007
November Dance
November 1, 2007
Sarah Smith
October 30, 2007
November Dance
November 1, 2007

Dear Editor,

October is more than trick or treating, raking leaves and watching football. The month also marks National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to focus on the issue and what we can do to help prevent it.


So, what can we do?


We can talk to family and friends about violence-free, healthy relationships, we can reach out to colleagues we think may need help, and we can remind people of the resources and information available in our community.

We can also make sure our kids know that the same phone that helps them stay connected might also be used in damaging ways when it comes to unhealthy relationships.


Excessive calling or texting could be early signs of abuse in a relationship. Understanding these warnings signs, and letting kids know that it’s okay to not answer the phone or to not respond to harassing messages, and not to give out their cell phone number is a good start in preventing abuse before it escalates.


We can also donate no-longer-used wireless phones to help victims of domestic violence.

Studies show that consumers replace their wireless phones every 18 months to stay on top of the latest wireless trends.


Today’s phones do more than just make calls; with some wireless service providers, consumers can watch broadcast-quality TV including sporting events, breaking news and their favorite network shows.


They can also download music over-the-air and personalize their phones with their favorite songs.

New handsets let you get directions and even find a restaurant or a bathroom in a new city.

If you are upgrading your phone to take advantage these new features, donate your old one to an organization that will re-use it to assist victims of domestic violence.

The wireless phone you no longer need, can serve as a reliable, safe connection to employers, family and friends as survivors rebuild their lives.

One option for a phone donation is Verizon Wireless’ HopeLine(r) phone recycling program.

Verizon Wireless collects no-longer-used wireless phones, batteries and accessories in any condition from any wireless service provider in all of our stores nationwide.

Phones that can be refurbished are sold for reuse and those without value are disposed of in an environmentally sound way. Proceeds from the HopeLine program have been used to provide tens of thousands of wireless phones and millions of dollars in cash grants to local shelters and non-profit organizations that focus on domestic violence prevention and awareness.

This Halloween, while you’re treating yourself to a tricked-out new wireless handset, it takes just a few easy steps to make a big difference in someone’s life, too.

Katherine Greene

Regional President,

Verizon Wireless