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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Kathy Manderino |
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Donate unused or unwanted cell phones at Manderino's office
PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 10 – Rep. Kathy Manderino, D-Phila./Montgomery, announced today that her constituent service offices will serve as drop-off locations where people can donate unused cell phones of any brand to support victims of domestic violence.
"The Verizon Wireless HopeLine program recycles any brand of unused cell phones in any condition, as well as batteries and other accessories," Manderino said. "The donated phones and items are then refurbished and provided to victims of domestic violence to give them with a way to contact help in emergency situations and to contact support services, family and employers."
Phones of any brand or in any condition can be donated at Manderino's Philadelphia offices -- 6511 Ridge Ave., 215-482-8726; or Brynfield Court, Suite 104, 5050 Wynnefield Ave., 215-879-8533.
Once phones are collected, the ones that meet Verizon's network requirements are refurbished and become free HopeLine phones, given to domestic violence victims in shelters across the country. HopeLine phones are equipped with 3,000 free minutes, voicemail, and a working charger and battery to help victims rebuild their lives and protect themselves.
Other donated phones are refurbished and resold with proceeds going to nonprofit domestic violence agencies as grants, while the rest of the phones that are deemed unusable are recycled in an environmentally responsible manner.
"I am pleased that my local offices can help collect unused cell phones for such a worthy cause, and I encourage everyone to offer their unused cell phones rather than just throwing them in the trash," Manderino said. "Donating an unwanted phone can make a big difference for someone facing domestic violence."
Manderino pointed out that some studies have found that one out of three American women have experienced domestic violence, making it a widespread issue that often goes unnoticed publicly.
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