Goodwill calls for unused cell phones

Some of the phones will be reprogrammed for domestic-violence victims.
YOUNGSTOWN -- Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries has initiated a donate-a-phone program to raise funds for the organization's job training and employment services.
After deactivating their wireless services, residents are being asked to donate cell phones that are no longer being used to Goodwill, where they will be recycled through the Wireless Foundation.
The foundation says more than 30 million wireless phones lie idle in American homes and businesses.
Any portable cellular or PCS phone and phone batteries and chargers will be accepted. Excluded will be bag phones or vehicle-installed models. Goodwill earns money per phone and receives the most revenue from complete systems.
New uses
Some recycled phones are reprogrammed and used to help the needy, others are programmed to allow domestic-violence victims to call 911 in emergencies, and others are sent to underdeveloped countries.
Donations can be made at any of the Goodwill stores in Liberty, Hermitage, Salem, Struthers, Warren and New Castle, and attended collection centers in Boardman at Commerce Park 15, 7986 Southern Blvd., and in Austintown at 4950 Mahoning Ave.