For Immediate Release: 4.21.08

Naples, FL – During May and June, new and used cell phones collected by the Shelter for Abused Women & Children will not only provide emergency access to police for countless women and children suffering from domestic violence, but also provide the nonprofit organization the opportunity to win $1,000 to assist with programs and services.

“The partner agency that helps us recycle the phones that cannot be used for our 911 cell phone service, Shelter Alliance, is randomly awarding five $1,000 prizes to eligible organizations that recycle a minimum of 300 cells phones,” explains Volunteer & Resource Coordinator Lissette Santos. “With more than 50 locations throughout Collier County and Bonita Springs, dropping off an old phone is an easy and wonderful way for the community to help the Shelter provide safety and hope for victims of domestic violence right in our own neighborhoods.”

According to Shelter Alliance, the prizes will be awarded at random on July 14, 2008, as part of a program thanking participants in their program, such as the Shelter.

Collection boxes placed at local businesses provide a convenient means for community members to recycle both cell phones and chargers. The majority of phones recycled are reprogrammed and given to women and children who are in danger, allowing them to make emergency 911 calls only. The remaining phones are sent to Shelter Alliance, a company that properly recycles collected phones and, in return, makes a cash contribution to our organization.

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 these locations:

• Starbucks Coffee Company stores in Naples & Bonita Springs
• San Marco Catholic Church
• Neighborhood Health Clinic
• Flower, White & Boggs
• Pulte Homes, Bonita Beach Road
• Barron Collier Companies  
• AT&T/Cingular Wireless
• Mahalo Spa, Bonita Springs
• Sheriff 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.

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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