For Immediate Release: 5/1/08

Naples, FL – Throughout May and June, new and used cell phones collected by the Shelter for Abused Women & Children provide not only 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 the Shelter 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. “By working together, we as a community can ensure that each victim of domestic violence can have access to 911 while also helping support programs and services at the Shelter for Abused Women & Children,” explains Shelter Volunteer & Resource Coordinator Lissette Santos.

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
• Wireless Toyz

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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