The Suwannee Valley Victims Assistance Coalition (SVVAC) has partnered with RMS Communications Group, Inc. of Ocala to raise funds and provide free emergency phones to local victims of crime and abuse.

Victim Advocate for the Suwannee County Sheriff's Office Tracy Brantley said the department will accept all retired mobile and cellular phones from the public to be used for recycling purposes. People who have retired phones can drop them off at any of the Sheriff's Offices at the courthouse, the Branford Annex or the criminal division on CR 136.

The phones will be donated to victims of domestic abuse or crime.

Brantley said victims can use the phones to call 911 and keep them hidden from abusers.

"A rape victim might be afraid that the perpetrator might get out of jail and attack again," Brantley said. "The phones provide protection for victims of crime or abuse, especially in the event abusers won't let the victims have access to a phone."

The phones are donated to victims free of charge.

Brantley said the phones are for emergencies only as they can only dial 911.

RMS will recycle donated phones and give SVVAC new phones to distribute. SVVAC will receive cash for phones that can be refurbished and remarketed. Refurbished phones will be donated to other countries who do not have access to landlines.

The money given by RMS doesn't go to the Sheriff's Department but to SVVAC for the organization's use, Brantley emphasized.

SVVAC is the umbrella organization for several agencies that serve as victim advocates. The organization meets monthly to discuss victim awareness and fundraising for victims with special needs such as prescription medication, transportation and funeral expenses.

The number of retired cell phones in the U.S. is estimated at more than 500 million by the wireless industry. With more than 185 million US subscribers, millions more are added to that number every month. Since used cell phones contain a number of hazardous substances, it is important to keep the phones out of public landfills and incinerators. RMS remarkets and reuses phones where possible. All other phones are recycled according to strict environmental guidelines.

The Sheriff's Office is accepting all retired mobile and cellular phones.

"Just think, by giving of your retired cell phone, you may be responsible for saving a person's life," Sheriff Tony Cameron stated.

Author: Vanessa Fultz, Democrat Reporter
Publication Date: 2005-08-12
Vanessa Fultz may be reached by calling 1-386-362-1734 ext. 130 or by emailing vanessa fultz@gaflnews.com.