Each week cell phone ads flood our newspapers and airwaves, encouraging us to upgrade to the newest technology. But what happens to all of the outdated equipment? Most of the estimated 140 million cell phones retired annually are stashed away somewhere, gathering dust. Unfortunately, many of these phones find their way to landfills where they can leach hazardous materials into the surrounding environment.

The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department is proud to be part of the solution by participating in the 911 Cell Phone Bank. By utilizing this program, used cell phones can now be recycled to raise funds and provide emergency communications to victims of domestic abuse within our community.

We are asking individuals, businesses and other organizations to donate cell phones to help. Every day people in our community are victimized or abused, and your donation may provide the critical link between law enforcement and someone in trouble.

To recycle your retired cell phones, drop them off at: the Nashua Street Jail, 200 Nashua Street, Boston, MA 02114; the South Bay House of Correction, 20 Bradston Street, Boston, MA 02118; the Sheriff’s Department Training Facility, 180 Crescent Avenue, Chelsea, MA 02150; or the Civil Process Division, 151 Merrimac Street, Boston, MA 02114. To get additional information, visit the Sheriff’s Department website: http://www.scsdma.org/cellphone.html. You may also drop off retired cell phones at the University of Massachusetts/Boston, 100 Morrissey Blvd. – Boston, MA 02125.

Sheriff Andrea J. Cabral and the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department will recognize National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October by designating The Network / La Red as the beneficiary of the proceeds of our participation in the cell phone program.

"The Network has long been a precious resource and literal lifeline for lesbian, bi–sexual and transgendered women suffering domestic abuse," said Sheriff Cabral. " I am proud to be able to support their good work in a way that enhances their ability to provide these services."

The Network/La Red works to end partner abuse in lesbian, bisexual women’s and transgender communities. The Network/La Red offers direct services including a hotline, emergency shelter, support groups, advocacy, safety planning, court accompaniment, information and referrals. Outreach efforts include a comprehensive Visibility Campaign as well as trainings and technical assistance.

"We’re honored that Sheriff Cabral has designated The Network/La Red as the beneficiary of her department’s cell phone drive," said Beth Leventhal, Director of The Network La Red. "Sheriff Cabral has a long history of supporting GLBT survivors of domestic violence, and we are grateful for her support."

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