Phones for Life

Here is a great non-profit organization that will take your old cell phones and give them to someone truly in need. Many of you love the latest and greatest technology in the cellular world. You may have gotten a new phone recently and have your old one lying around the house. If this is the case, please donate your old phone to Phones for Life. They operate all over the United States and provide cell phones to domestic violence victims, senior citizens and people with disabilities.

A few facts:

-There are over 500 million cell phones in use today.
-Average lifespan of a new cell phone is 9 to 18 months.
-Estimated that over 180 million cell phones are discarded annually, resulting in over 65,000 tons of waste.
-Over 30 million unused cell phones are lying in homes and businesses.

What Phones for Life provides with your donated phones:

-Seniors: The cell phones are pre-loaded with free minutes for emergencies. Phones for Life will program up to 5 personal contacts (ie: doctor, children, relatives, etc.) for one-touch dialing. Once the minutes are out, more can be added by calling their office. If no minutes are needed, the 911 outbound call is always available.
-Domestic Violence Victims: Phones are provided to help them as they begin their new lives and get them back on their feet. Especially - if there is an emergency.
-Saving Kids: If you are the parent or caregiver of a child in need of live-saving surgery or medical equipment, Phones for Life has developed a program to help pay for medical care of children in need.

Other cool programs:

-Corporations can start a drive.
-Schools can start a drive and the school will receive a check for the full value of the phones collected. This does not cost the school any money and will help raise money for your school. Example: If your school collects 500 phones - Phones for Life will pay the school $3,000 - $5,000 for the phones. Phones for life provides the donation boxes and one the boxes are full, a simple phone call to Phones for Life and they will have FedEx pick up the shipment.

So rather than tossing the old cell phone you no longer need, donate it to someone in need through Phones for Life.