Recycled cell phones aid domestic violence victims

October is more than trick-ortreating, raking leaves and watching football. It's also National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to focus on the issue and what we can do to help prevent it.

So, what can we do? We can talk to family and friends about violence-free, healthy relationships; we can reach out to colleagues who may need help; and we can remind people of the resources and information available in our communities.

We also can make sure our kids know that the same phone that keeps them connected might also be used in damaging ways. Excessive calling or texting can be early signs of abuse in a relationship. Understanding these warnings signs, and letting kids know that it's OK to not answer the phone or respond to harassing messages is a good start in preventing abuse before it escalates.

We also can donate no-longer-used wireless phones to help victims of domestic violence. If you are upgrading your phone, donate your old one to the Verizon Wireless HopeLine phone-recycling program. The company collects no-longerused wireless phones, batteries and accessories in any condition from any wireless service provider in Verizon Wireless Communications stores throughout the country. The proceeds are used to provide domestic violence survivors with new phones, providing reliable, safe connections to advocates, family and friends as they rebuild their lives. Phones that cannot be refurbished are sold for reuse or disposed of in an environmentally sound way.

Nationally, HopeLine has collected more than 4.2 million wireless phones, and given more than $4 million in cash grants and nearly 40,000 phones to domestic violence prevention organizations in the New York Metro region.

This month, and during the upcoming holiday season, while you're buying the latest wireless device, please remember to donate your old phone to HopeLine. It takes just a few easy steps to make a big difference in someone's life.

Charles Hand

President New York Metro Region

Verizon Wireless Orangeburg, N.Y.