LOS ANGELES-Verizon Wireless and Motorola Inc. are donating 100 pre-programmed digital wireless phones and free airtime to eight domestic violence prevention programs in the Los Angeles area as part of Call to Protect, a national education and philanthropic initiative to help victims of domestic violence.
“We know wireless phones cannot solve the problem of domestic violence, but we hope, by providing access to emergency services, that we can help victims lead safer lives,” said Mike Finley, regional president of Verizon Wireless.
The Call to Protect program, a national program sponsored by the Wireless Foundation, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Motorola, will collect recycled wireless phones during October, which is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Recycled wireless phones will be given to domestic violence shelters, law enforcement agencies and other organizations. The program has collected more than 100,000 phones during the past year.
Each phone will be programmed for emergency service and equipped with free airtime donated by wireless carrier members of the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association.
“This year’s Call to Protect events literally complete the circle by distributing wireless phones donated and refurbished as part of Donate a Phone to domestic violence victims and advocates,” said David Diggs, executive director of the Wireless Foundation. “This represents a significant milestone and important step for Call to Protect, which has proven to be an effective way to help those in potential danger.”
RadioShack has agreed to support the program by collecting donated phones at its 7,100 stores nationwide.
“Because we are in virtually every neighborhood in America, we are perfectly positioned to provide an easy and convenient way for people to support the Wireless Foundation’s efforts by dropping off their old wireless phones in our stores,” said Laura Moore, vice president of public relations and corporate communications at RadioShack.
Consumers who drop off phones at RadioShack will be provided with a receipt for the tax deductible donation to the Wireless Foundation.
