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For Immediate
Release: December 10, 2004
Contact: Christine A. Knickerbocker
Public Relations: 845-692-4444, x-2547
Email:
Christine_Knickerbocker@crvi.org
Donate
Your Electronic Trash
It is estimated that there are 110 million cell phones in use in the United
States today and, more than 50 million are lying inactive in the drawers of
homes and businesses; casualties of society’s fast paced techno-upgrading. If
you are an average cell phone user, you upgrade your phone every 14-18 months,
so why not donate your old phone to a worthy local cause and receive a $40 tax
deduction?
The donation of your unwanted cell phones can be money in the bank for the
“Searching for Stars” self-advocacy group comprised of people living in houses
and supported apartments managed by Crystal Run Village, Inc., a human services
agency providing programs for the integration and empowerment of people with
disabilities in Sullivan County. The group kicks off its recycling fund-raising
campaign this month and the benefits of collecting the unused phones are many.
Collected phones will be sent to a non-profit clearinghouse where they are
refurbished and reprogrammed for secondary markets and those international
markets that are becoming part of the wireless community. Any phones that are
not usable for this purpose are programmed for "911" and distributed to homeless
shelters, women’s shelters, etc. Collected phones that are damaged beyond repair
or simply obsolete will be recycled along with their batteries in accordance
with environmental laws.
The practice of self-advocacy by people with developmental disabilities results
in their having control over their own lives through increased knowledge of
their rights and a greater understanding of their responsibilities to mankind.
The members of Searching for Stars self-advocacy are determined to become more
and more involved as citizens in the communities they live-in, in ways similar
to other civic organizations. Collecting in-active cell phones is one way to do
just that. The fundraising endeavor will allow members of the group to meet
their financial objectives so that they are able to attend educational
conventions and also give to others less fortunate.
Send or drop your wireless phones off at Crystal Run Village, Inc., 9 Landfield
Ave., 1-block off Broadway in Monticello. Cordless phones intended for home use
are not acceptable. All cellular or PCS hand-carried phones will be accepted.
For more information call Searching for Stars advisors: Diane Gummerson, Judy
Card or Kelly Healy at 845-796-4324.
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