Your Old Cell Phone Could Help Prevent Domestic Violence

A press release from New London Housing Authority

To recognize National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the New London Housing Authority in conjunction with Wireless Zone of New London, is holding a cell phone recycling drive to benefit victims of domestic violence.

From October 28 to November 8 the public is invited to drop off no-longer-used phones and accessories, in any condition, from any wireless provider, at the New London Housing Authority’s office located at 78 Walden Avenue, New London, CT.

Cell phones can become an effective tool in the fight against domestic violence. Instead of being discarded, an old phone can be put to good use against domestic abuse through a cell phone recycling program. All collected phones will be donated to HopeLine from Verizon. The phones are then refurbished or recycled in an environmentally sound way. Refurbished phones – complete with 3,000 minutes of wireless service – are provided to local domestic violence organizations or local government and law enforcement agencies for use with their domestic violence clients. This communication may provide a critical link between law enforcement and a victim of domestic violence who is in a life-threatening emergency.

Even the simplest act of intervention can be one that saves the life of a victim of domestic violence. Donating a used cell phone is a great way to help for those who want to be involved in the movement to end domestic violence but don't know how. We all know people that may be in an abusive relationship—they are our family members, coworkers, neighbors, and friends. By participating in the phone drive, donors can feel positive they have made a vital difference in giving a lifeline to someone in desperate need.

How to Donate a Wireless Phone

Bring no-longer-used phones and accessories, in any condition, from any wireless provider, to the New London Housing Authority’s office located at 78 Walden Avenue, New London, CT. Just follow these simple steps:

• Erase any data from the phone and disconnect the device’s service with your wireless provider.
• Remove any storage cards (microSD, etc.) and SIM cards from the phone, and be sure to include any travel chargers or other accessories that came with the device that you no longer need.
• Turn the phone's power off.
• Make sure the phone’s batteries are installed in the phone. Please do not include any loose batteries.

For more information visit the Housing Authority’s Facebook page at facebook.com/NewLondonHousingAuthority

Privacy Concerns: We encourage everyone who plans to donate a cell phone to erase any personal data on the phone before donating. As part of its own process, phones donated specifically to HopeLine are scrubbed prior to recycling to ensure customer information is removed. For more information please visit www.verizonwireless.com/HopeLine