New Life for Your Old Cell Phone: How You Can Make a Difference

There’s no doubt that wireless phones and technology serve as a vital link for all of us – they connect us to family, friends and the community in ways that were previously unimaginable. Some cell phone users even feel as though they’ve developed a personal connection with their device.

But what happens when we’re ready to upgrade to the latest and greatest device? Do we toss the old one aside and forget about it? Currently, there are more than 100 million old cell phones sitting in junk drawers collecting dust all across the United States. Consider this instead: you can help give survivors of domestic violence a voice by donating no-longer-used cell phones to HopeLine from Verizon.

Domestic violence is a silent epidemic that continues to take its toll in communities throughout the country and around the world. Nearly one in four women, one in seven men and more than three million children in the United States are affected by domestic violence. Domestic violence organizations throughout the country are conducting critical work each day to prevent violence while advocating for the rights and safety of survivors. And you can help them achieve those goals, simply by recycling your no-longer-used cell phones, batteries and accessories through HopeLine.

HopeLine from Verizon connects survivors of domestic violence to vital resources, funds organizations nationwide and recycles no-longer-used phones to help protect the environment.

Feeling inspired? Here’s how you can get involved:

• Listen up! Check out this quick video that illustrates how the HopeLine program works and benefits domestic violence organizations in your community.  
   
• Get prepped: Follow these easy steps to make sure that your phone is ready to recycle.
   
• Take action: To donate, simply bring your old wireless phones, batteries and accessories in any condition from any provider to your local Verizon Wireless store. Or, print a postage-paid mailing label and drop it in the mail.
   
• Share your story: Using the hashtag #VoicesHavePower, share with your social channels photos of the old cell phones you’re turning into support for domestic violence victims through HopeLine – even that ancient flip phone you’ve been hiding in your junk drawer for years – and encourage your network to do the same.

Together, we can make a difference and turn no-longer-used cell phones into vital lifelines and resources for domestic violence victims.