Cell Phones 

 Assemblymember Judy Chu Urges Area Residents to Donate No Longer Needed Wireless Phones To Victims of Domestic Violence

 Assemblymember Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park) will take part in the Donate a Phone Campaign to help in the fight against domestic violence.  As part of the program, residents are urged to donate old wireless phones that will be refurbished for victims of domestic violence. 

Founded in 1999 by the Wireless Foundation, Motorola, and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Donate a Phone is an extension of the CALL to PROTECT program which uses education and charitable initiative to combat domestic violence. 

“The phones will be pre-programmed to dial 9-1-1 and, in doing so, provide victims of domestic violence one more tool to use to protect themselves in an emergency,” Chu said. “I’m hoping this program gives residents in the San Gabriel Valley the excuse to clear away some clutter in their homes by donating old wireless phones to an organization that will really put them to good use.” 

The CALL to PROTECT and the Donate a Phone campaigns are designed to collect wireless phones that are no longer being used by their owners and put them in the hands of victims of domestic abuse.  So far over 700,000 phones have been collected nationwide, yet there is tremendous potential for improvement while over 30 million phones still remain idle. 

Assemblymember Chu says the phones are pre-programmed to dial 9-1-1 and one non-emergency number to enable the user to summon help with the push of a button.  “For victims of abuse, a wireless phone can be the start of a better life, both physically and psychologically because they know help is a phone call away if they need it,” Chu said. 

“And please keep in mind, even if your old phone doesn’t work, you can still donate it to help victims of domestic violence.  Motorola will refurbish the phones for reuse regardless of the size, appearance or condition.  Each and every phone will be appreciated and receipts are also available for tax purposes.” 

To donate your old wireless phone, simply drop it off at Assemblymember Chu’s district office: 1255 Corporate Center Drive, Suite PH-9, Monterey Park, CA 91754 or just drop it off at the El Monte Chamber of Commerce Office, 10505 Valley Boulevard, Suite 312.

For more information, please contact Jeannette Soriano at (626) 450-6116 or visit www.donateaphone.com