ECU cell phone drive will benefit Family Violence Center

Greenville, N.C.  — East Carolina University’s Student Legal Services is conducting a cell phone drive to benefit the Family Violence Center.

Used phones, batteries, chargers and other accessories may be dropped off at the department’s office, 2303 Old Cafeteria Building (MS 115). The department will also collect phone items once a month at Wright Plaza, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., on Sept. 2, Oct. 21 and Nov. 17. A collection box has also been placed at the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center in the Old Cafeteria Building.

Dawn Gibbs, a paralegal with Student Legal Services, said the department hopes to collect more phones and equipment this year. Last year, people donated 286 phones. Including accessories, about 450 items were donated.

“ECU is a very giving community,” Gibbs said. “What can you really do with your old cell phone? A lot of people are very happy to have a place to turn them in. They’re not filling landfills, and it’s also a tax deduction.”

Some later-model phones can be reactivated to dial only 911. They will be loaned to domestic violence victims for use in emergencies. Most phones will be returned to cell phone companies, which make small monetary donations to the Family Violence Center.