The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office is collecting unused cell phones to be repurposed into lifelines for Suffolk County’s most vulnerable residents.
Since the collection began on April 4, 2022, 60 cell phones have been collected, along with one laptop and assorted chargers and cases. These electronic devices were packed up and shipped to the 911 Cell Phone Bank in Ocala, FL, where they will be securely wiped of all information and reprogrammed for use by victims of domestic violence, senior citizens, and victim services agencies.
Sheriff Toulon reminds residents that not everyone has a cell phone. “When domestic violence occurs, the victim often leaves with nothing but the clothes on her back. She often has no money, no documents, and no cell phone. This program provides a lifeline to get the victim back on her feet. According to the 911 Cell Phone Bank website, “Consumers and businesses are discarding electronic devices at an alarming rate. It is estimated that far less than half of the 40 million tons of electronic devices manufactured in the US alone are recycled. We feel the best form of recycling is reuse, especially when someone vulnerable is helped.”
The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Cell Phone Collection Drive is ongoing. Collection bins are located at each Correctional Facility in the Visiting Lobby, at the Civil Enforcement Bureau in Yaphank, and at 1st District Court in Central Islip. Join the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office and help our county’s most vulnerable residents!