Beazley Co., based in New Haven, has offices across Connecticut participating in its second annual national Donate a Phone Call to Protect campaign, a program that collects old wireless phones to provide domestic violence victims with a lifeline in case of an emergency. Last year, Beazley volunteers succeeded in collecting more than 2,000 used cell phones in their collection campaign and hopes to exceed those numbers this year.
The program, started by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Motorola and the Wireless Foundation collects used wireless phones then refurbishes, reprograms and distributes them to victims in need. Phones are reprogrammed to dial 911 or a crisis hotline number. To date, thousands of people across the country have donated their phones to the cause. Unfortunately, there are an estimated 4 million domestic violence victims each year, so more phones are needed. Beazley offices across the state will be collecting phones through Sept. 30.
“Beazley is very happy to participate in such a worthy program,” said Sarah Harrower, vice president of recruiting and career development for Beazley Co., who is coordinating the campaign. Harrower spearheaded a donate-a-phone collection last year.
Beazley is asking anyone who has a phone that they are no longer using to please bring it in to their local Beazley office. Battery chargers may also be dropped off, but the phones are also accepted without them. People donating phones will also receive a tax receipt for their donation. One Beazley associate in each office will serve as a contact person who will coordinate the phone collection.
“Our company is committed to supporting organizations that benefit women and children in need, as well as the mentally and physically disabled,” said Beazley President Greg Scott. “Beazley has a strong philosophy of becoming involved with the communities we serve. We believe that it is important for businesses to be a ‘good neighbor’ in their community.”
For more information on the Donate a Phone Call to Protect campaign, call 1-888-901-SAFE or visit www.donateaphone.com.