Old cell phone? Don’t toss it – help domestic violence victims

| How to help | West Seattle news

If you have one or more old cell phones sitting around because you don’t know the best way to get rid of them – here it is. Via Facebook, Megan Wilson sends news of a cell-phone-collection drive she’s organized to help victims of domestic violence. Between now and December 11th, take the phone(s) to the counter at Easy Street Records in The Junction, any brand, with or without charger. Megan explains, “Each phone collected is given to the Shelter Alliance that refurbishes the phones to help victims of domestic violence during safety planning. For each phone submitted, the Shelter Alliance will give money to the Victim Support Team that I volunteer with.” (Here’s info on that team.) Any special instructions? we asked. Megan’s reply: “It does not matter what brand/type the phone is. The phones should be deactivated and Shelter Alliance does erase data. It is best, however, to erase your own personal data from phone before turning in.” P.S. Megan adds: October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Here’s how to get help – or call this hotline any time: 800-562-6025.

Mike October 1, 2009 (11:06 am)

Very good use of old phones which become a huge hazardous waste issue (batteries) if thrown in the garbage. I have a few I’ll be taking to Easy Street with chargers.

AffordableSeattle.INFO October 1, 2009 (11:34 am)

This is wonderful. I have a phone with charger at home that I will never use, I am dropping it off this weekend!

DEF October 1, 2009 (2:29 pm)

Are expired pre-paid phones OK to donate? I have an AT&T GoPhone that is idle since I decided I didn’t like dealing with adding minutes to keep it active.
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(I ask because I’ve heard that some of the pre-paid phones have weird SIM card configurations to keep people from buying them and re-using them with monthly contracts.)