Associated Press
October 4, 2011
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois officials are collecting old cell phones for victims of domestic violence.
Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon is asking state workers and residents to bring used cell phones, batteries and accessories this week to the State Capitol in Springfield and the James R. Thompson Center in downtown Chicago.
For every phone donated in Springfield, Verizon has agreed to give $10 to Springfield's Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Matching dollars will also be offered for the phones donated in Chicago.
The phones will be refurbished or sold for proceeds that will go toward buying newer phones. Any phones that are not salvaged will be recycled.
The executive director of the coalition against domestic violence says donated phones are a lifeline to victims with no other resources.