For Immediate Release: 5.15.08

Naples, FL – Help transform lives by joining the Shelter for Abused Women & Children in collecting new and used cell phones as a way to provide emergency access to police for countless women and children directly affected by domestic violence.

The majority of phones recycled via the Shelter are reprogrammed and given to women and children who are in danger, allowing them to make emergency 911 calls only.

“Whether it’s a woman calling from her car as her abuser tries to break the window, or children hiding with a teacher behind a dumpster when the abuser attempts to pick them up from school, the cell phone program offers the security of knowing the police are only a call away,” explains Shelter Resource & Volunteer Coordinator Lissette Santos.

A partner agency helps the Shelter recycle the phones that cannot be used for emergency 911 cell phone service. Throughout the months of May and June, this organization is randomly awarding five $1,000 prizes to eligible nonprofit organizations with current accounts, such as the Shelter.            

Old cell phones and their charging components can be dropped off at the Shelter’s Options Thrift Shoppe (968 Second Avenue North), Another Option Thrift Shoppe (5239 Golden Gate Parkway) and more than 50 locations from Marco Island to Bonita Springs, including:

• Wireless Toyz (Pine Ridge & Livingston)Starbucks Coffee Company stores in Naples & Bonita SpringsSan Marco Catholic ChurchNeighborhood Health ClinicFlower, White & BoggsPulte Homes, Bonita Beach RoadBarron Collier Companies   AT&T WirelessMahalo Spa, Bonita SpringsSheriff substations
• Planned Parenthood

For more information on the Shelter for Abused Women & Children, and to learn more about the Shelter’s cell phone recycling program, please call 239-775-3862.

###

The Shelter for Abused Women & Children helps adult and child victims and survivors of domestic violence through safety, intervention and support; educates the public about domestic violence; and advocates for social change against domestic violence. For more information, please contact us at 239-775-3862, or visit us online at: www.naplesshelter.org

Media Contact: Mary Ann T. Green, mgreen@naplesshelter.org, 239-775-3862, ext. 211