Domestic Violence (NAPSA)—You—and everyone else you know—probably own a cell phone and use it every day to makecalls or send text messages. But have you ever wondered how long you should hold on to your phone or what you can do with a phone you no longer need? Most people change their wireless phones every 18 monthsorso. They upgrade to take advantage of new features like over-the-air music downloads or capabilities such as navigation services. Or, it’s just time to try something new. What you might not realize is that an old wireless phone can make a difference in someone else’s life. Rather than throwing no-longer-used wireless phones into a drawer or into the trash, you can turn them in to any one of a number of organizations that will recycle the parts, including rechargeable batteries, keeping them outof landfills. Some organizations also reuse the phones by donating them to people whose lives can be changed with a wireless phone. Oneof those groups is domestic violence victims. The ability to communicate with friends and family is often one of the first things an abuser denies the person being abused. A wireless phone is portable, personal and private, and most importantly, can be used to call 911 in an emergency situation. A wireless phone can serve as a vital link to support services or as a reliable, safe connection to employers, family and friends as survivors rebuild their lives. One way to help victims of domestic violence is through the HopeLine phone recycling pro- gram. Verizon Wireless collects no-longer-used wireless phones, batteries and accessories in any condition from any wireless ser- Donating a used cell phone can help domestic violence victims. vice provider in its stores across the country. Phones that can be refurbished are sold for reuse and those without value are disposed of in an environmentally sound way. Proceeds from the HopeLine program have been used to provide tens of thousands of wireless phones and millions in cash grants to shelters and nonprofit organizations that focus on domestic violence prevention and awareness. Verizon Wireless phones also provide immediate access to information for those seeking help in a domestic violence situation. Anyone can dial #HOPE (#4673) from any Verizon Wireless cell phone to reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline, where confidential empowerment-based crisis intervention, information and resources await. The call is toll- and airtime- free. The hotline, which can also be reached by dialing 800-799SAFE, operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and can provide assistance to callers in both English and Spanish with access to translation in 139 languages. For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com/hope line.
