Donate used cell phones

GLADWIN COUNTY -- Last month a coalition of Law Enforcement Agencies and Non-Profits came together to collect and redistribute used cell phones to any community member who needs a 911 phone in the event of an emergency.

The coalition is led by the nationwide non-profit organization “Secure the Call Foundation.”

The foundation hopes that citizens will help them collect old cell phones by asking the employees to bring in any unneeded cell phones they may have.

Once the collection is completed attach the prepaid mailing label and either give it to a US Postal Service mailman or drop it off at any post office.

Secure the Call Foundation takes the phones, inspects them, cleans them, charges their batteries and then reprograms them to be used as free 911 emergency phones. Any phone that can be turned on can access 911 services even without a carrier service plan.

Then the phones are distributed to domestic violence shelters, senior centers, neighborhood watch groups, school crossing guards and other agencies with an immediate need for 911 access. These free 911 emergency cell phones are available to individuals and organizations nationwide.

Last month Secure the Call held a press conference asking for community support. The response to the conference was immediate and substantial.

Many citizens need a phone. In fact, the foundation has received more requests for phones than it currently has available to give out.

Only send cell phones and batteries. No chargers or accessories. New chargers are donated to the foundation by one of its corporate donors.

For additional information on the program, prepaid mailing labels or to download a tax receipt for a donation, visit www.donatemycellphone.org or call 888-883-6628.