Many clubs have enthusiastically joined with GFWC in our work with Secure the Call, a national 501(c)(3) organization that repurposes old cell phones and tablets into free emergency call phones, distributing them to local organizations that serve and assist victims of domestic violence. These live-saving devices can call 911 without a service contract, ensuring that help is in reach for individuals in abusive relationships. Just two examples are the Woman’s Club of Clayton (North Carolina), which placed their collection barrel in the local public library, and the Woman’s Citizenship Club of Alamosa (Colorado), which partnered with the Alamosa Senior Center to collect devices at the Center.
“I would venture to say that most people have old cell phones tucked away in their desk drawers because we don’t know where to get them recycled. The GFWC Woman’s Citizenship Club members are excited to bring this opportunity to [the community],” said Theresa Rudder, coordinator of this project in Alamosa. As the Woman’s Club of Clayton’s Civic Engagement and Outreach CSP noted in the club newsletter, “Your help is greatly needed and appreciated, and will go a long way to make sure that high-risk individuals always have access to emergency services.”
These drives end February 28, 2023, so you still have time to find a barrel (including one here at HQ) and donate your old devices! Our thanks to the many clubs who are participating, helping GFWC to reach its goal to collect 7500 phones and tablets.
Below: Lynette Cotton, Director of Alamosa Senior Citizens, Inc., and Theresa Rudder, member of GFWC Woman’s Citizenship Club are ready to fill up the barrel with used cell phones.
