Old phones aid victims of abuse
Published 9:53 am Tuesday, June 30, 2009
A phone call can save a life.
But you need a phone first.
Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County, a nonprofit organization providing shelter and help to victims of domestic abuse, is asking people to donate their old cell phones. A free 911 call can be made using most working, charged cell phones, spokeswoman Julie Martin said.
“We give them to people who need them if they are in danger,” she said.
Victims may not be able to call for help because they don’t have access to a phone, she said.
Your old phone may give them a sense of security and even save their lives if they are in danger.
The organization has been running the program for the past 10 years, Martin said. Advocates typically give a handful of phones every month.
Working phones with chargers can be dropped off at several locations throughout the county. Drop-off sites include Zippy’s Java Lounge in downtown Everett and several locations in the south part of the county.
If a donated phone can’t be used, the group sells it to recyclers. The money helps fund services for victims of abuse.
The organization runs an emergency shelter, a 24-hour hotline, a transitional housing program for victims and other services.
Katya Yefimova: 425-339-3452, kyefimova@heraldnet.com.
Where to donate old cell phones
Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County is asking people to donate their old cellphones to be handed out to people who can use them to call 911. There are several drop-off locations throughout the county including:
- Whitfield Insurance agency branches
- First Security Bank branches
- Frontier Bank branches in Snohomish County
- Zippy’s Java Lounge, Everett
Domestic Violence Services center is at 1310 Pacific Ave., Suite 5, Everett. To find a location near you, go to the group’s Web site at www.snococbw.org/donatecell.
