Posted: Saturday, October 11, 2008 12:00 am
Have an old cell phone you want to donate to a good cause?
For the third year, the Corvallis-based Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence (CARDV) is collecting used cell phones to give to individuals facing domestic violence. The phones are reprogrammed to dial 911.
Any personal information will first be stripped from all donated phones.
From July 2007 through June 2008, CARDV received 4,140 crisis-line calls regarding domestic violence and sexual assault, and provided shelter to 124 women and 153 children.
Emergency cell phones are always needed and serve as a lifeline to those living under the threat of violence, the center said.
Donating used phones and batteries is a way for the public to help an important cause and dispose of an unneeded phone, the center notes. Due to the environmental hazard posed by rechargeable batteries, it is never a good idea to place old cellular phones in the trash.
Matt Webb, of Global Communications of Corvallis, has partnered with CARDV to reprogram and remove all personal information free of charge from donated phones.
In Albany, cell phones and batteries may be donated to CARDV at Safeway Food and Drug, 1990 14th Ave. S.E.
Thee are several drop sites in Corvallis, including three at OregonState University - the Memorial Union, Dixon Recreation Center and the Valley Library.
The mission of the Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence is to provide services and support to those affected by sexual and domestic violence, and education and leadership to change the societal conditions that cultivate these forms of violence.
If you or someone you know needs help, call CARDV's hotline at 754-0110 or toll-free 800-927-0197.
Democrat-Herald