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Donating old phones helps fight domestic violence

1/8/2016, 8:07 a.m.

If you’re looking for an easy way to give back this new year, consider donating your old cell phones to HopeLine, Verizon’s signature philanthropy program that helps those affected by domestic violence.

Since the program began in 2001, Verizon has helped victims become survivors by collecting old phones and turning them into cash support for organizations nationwide. The 11.4 million phones collected, $29 million-plus cash donations and 190,000 phones donated to date have had a tremendous impact.

This support, which totaled more than $200,000 in the Virginia region this year, has empowered dozens of local shelters to offer services to those facing the challenges of domestic violence and to assist victims in rebuilding their lives.

Through this much-needed funding, many community organizations have been able to expand services, including mental health counseling, legal advocacy and 24-hour hotline operations. Other organizations have been able to keep their doors open during tough economic times.

Prevent Child Abuse Virginia and Virginia’s Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance are examples of nonprofits in Virginia that received HopeLine grants from Verizon in 2015.

If a new smartphone is among the holiday gifts you received this year, consider donating and recycling your old device — any make or model and in any condition — to HopeLine by dropping it off at any Verizon Wireless store or using a postage-paid mailing label found at www.verizon.com/about/responsibility/hopeline/get-involved.

Help continue the legacy of HopeLine support — and help the nearly one in four women, one in seven men and more than 3 million children in the United States who are affected by domestic violence.

KATE JAY

Atlanta

The writer is public relations director for Southeast Markets at Verizon Wireless.