EVERETT — That old cell phone doesn’t have to be taking up space in the closet. It could be a life line for someone in trouble.
Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County is encouraging people to drop off their old cell phones to help crime victims. The recycled phones are given to domestic violence victims for emergencies as part of a safety plan.
Even without any service, someone can use a charged cell phone to call 911, said Julie Martin, the development manager for the agency.
Some abusers restrict a victim’s access to phone and Internet. The second-hand phones can be used in case of an emergency, Martin said.
Older phones or phones that are broken or missing a charger also can be dropped off. These phones are sent to recyclers, who pay up to $20 per phone. That money is used to help fund programs for domestic violence victims and their children.
The agency offers a range of services to men and women, including emergency shelter, transitional housing, legal advocacy and support groups.
The agency serves about 4,500 people a year. More than 3,200 people use the agency’s hotline.
Phones can be dropped off at the DVS office at 1310 Pacific Ave., Suite 5, Everett. Other locations can be found at the agency’s website at www.dvs-snoco.org/donatecell or calling Martin at 425-259-2827, ext. 13.
Diana Hefley: 425-339-3463; hefley@heraldnet.com.
Domestic Violence Services
For more information about Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County, go to www.dvs-snoco.org. Help is also available 24 hours a day on the DVS hotline at 425-252-2873.
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