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Community Corner

Donate Old Cellphones for a Good Cause this #GivingTuesday

By Melanie Ortel

December 3 is #GivingTuesday. This year, give your old phone a new purpose and change someone’s life for the better. Simply turn in your old wireless devices and equipment to Verizon Wireless’ HopeLine and your contribution will empower domestic violence victims to become survivors.

As we enter the season of giving, be a part of this national celebration by taking a moment to locate no-longer-used cell phones and accessories that have been tossed into drawers and boxes. Verizon Wireless makes it easy to recycle them. Our device recycling program, HopeLine, accepts old cell phones and wireless equipment in any condition and from any manufacturer, to be recycled, reused or resold, with the proceeds benefitting domestic violence prevention organizations.  All local stores have HopeLine recycling bins for convenient drop-off.  We also offer free, postage-paid labels for download to mail your old equipment directly to our recycler.

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Over the past decade, more than 10 million phones have been collected through HopeLine, more than $18 million in cash grants has been awarded to domestic violence prevention groups nationwide, and more than 150,000 phones have been provided to survivors. Access to a wireless phone can help victims rebuild their lives, by giving them a safe and reliable means to contact emergency services in times of crisis and stay connected with employers, family and friends.

In Maryland, we work with the States Attorney’s Association, the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence, House of Ruth, and dozens of other local groups to provide them with free phones for their clients’ use.  Last year, some two dozen non-profits in Maryland received HopeLine funds totaling more than $100,000, with more awards to be announced by year-end 2013. 

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Verizon Wireless is committed to helping the nearly one in four women, one in seven men and more than 3 million children in the United States affected by domestic violence. Help us end this epidemic by donating your old phone today. Take an un-selfie of yourself as you drop off old devices in the HopeLine collection bin and post your photos on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter using the hashtags #unselfie and #GivingTuesday.  Your posts will help raise awareness of the need for charitable giving this holiday season and beyond. 

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