Old cell phones put to good use

Vida en el Valle

FRESNO — Assemblymember Juan Arámbula, D-Fresno, left his cell phone behind last Friday following a visit to the Marjaree Mason Center. But he had no need to panic: Arámbula donated 100 slightly used cellular telephones to the center.

The phones are given to clients, mostly abused or battered women, who can dial 911 in case of an emergency.

"If you have a cell phone that you're not using, then you have the power to rescue a victim of domestic violence in Fresno County," said Arámbula. "The Marjaree Mason Center needs your donation, whether it's one phone or 100."

The telephones he donated were provided by State Farm Insurance.

Center staff related the story of a woman who was taking her children to school a recent morning and noticed that her abuser was shadowing her. She called 911 and police arrived shortly and made an arrest.

"When you donate your cell phone, you know that you serve the entire community," said Arámbula.

Many older cell phones can never be reactivated with new service because they do not comply with new FCC rules. But they can be used to dial 911 in case of an emergency.

The center also sells phones that can't be used to a recycler. About 10 percent of donated phones can be repaired for use by the center's clients.

Many cellular companies have boxes for donated phones. The cell phones can also be donated directly to the center.

© 2006 The Fresno Bee