Verizon Wireless HopeLine Program for Domestic Violence Victims

The Verizon Wireless Hopeline Program offers help and hope to victims of domestic violence while recycling cell phones and cell phone batteries.

Visitors to the Verizon Wireless website are introduced to the latest cellular technology, from cell phones to Verizon Wireless Internet service via wireless broadband devices. Clicking on some of the links opens web page after web page containing more products, more details, and more chances to buy wireless products. The site is not entirely commercial, however. Tucked away on one of the 'About Us' pages, is information about one of Verizon Wireless' socially responsible programs.

Refurbished Cell Phones and Verizon Wireless HopeLine Program

With Dr. Phil as a spokesperson for HopeLine, Verizon wireless has donated over 7.9 million dollars to domestic violence organizations since the inception of the Hopeline cell phone program in 2001. In light of the growing corporate social responsibility trend, one might wonder what happens to all of the old wireless devices and cellular batteries. Verizon Wireless has responded to this problem by developing a program that both helps domestic violence victims and increases the number of recycled used cell phones.

Some cell phones are damaged beyond refurbishing for distribution through the HopeLine program, and those phones are properly disposed of in an environmentally sound manner. The Verizon Wireless website offers statistics on the success of the program. According to Verizon, over 200 tons of batteries and electronic waste have been kept out of landfills since Hopeline began in 2001.

How HopeLine Helps Domestic Violence Victims

Refurbished cell phones, complete with 3,000 minutes of air time, are distributed through the HopeLine program are distributed to domestic violence victims. Law enforcement agencies, local governments, and domestic violence agencies, such as shelters, handle the distribution to make sure the phones go to the victims who need them.

HopeLine phones let victims feel less isolated by helping them remain in contact with family members, friends, and employers, as well as emergency assistance. The program has provided more than 90,000 phones with over 300 million free airtime minutes to domestic violence victims since Verizon Wireless began the cell phone recycling program.

How to Donate an Old Cell Phone to the HopeLine Program

Verizon Wireless Communication's Stores collect old cell phones for the program. Organizations can also set up phone drives to collect phones for the program. Erase all personal information on the old cell phone. The phones are 'scrubbed' by HopeLine to remove personal data, but it is best to know it is done before donating. If the phone is going in the mail, the steps are listed below.

• Turn the old cell phone off.
• Remove data storage cards such as a micro-sd card or a SIM card.
• Make sure the battery is installed and fitted snugly.
• Pack the old cell phone and charger.
• Seal the box securely.
• Print out the shipping label which can be found on the Verizon Wireless website under the 'About Us' tab.
• Fill out your return address on the label.
• Secure the label on the package and drop the old cell phone in the mail.

According to the Verizon Wireless website, nearly one out of every four women, one out of every nine men, and over 3 million children are affected by domestic violence every year. Verizon Wireless has found a way to bring a touch of comfort to the lives of some of those victims, while also doing a good thing for the planet.

Read more about the program at: Verizon Wireless HopeLine