Unwanted cell phones needed for fundraiser

Community Crisis Center recently announced the expansion of a communitywide campaign to collect used, unwanted cell phones "in the name of fundraising."

Proceeds from the collection efforts will be applied to the continuation of programs that serve individuals and families dealing with domestic violence, sexual assault, homelessness and other life crises.

"Donating a used, unwanted cell phone allows community members to donate to an important cause without reaching into their wallets," stated Gretchen Vapnar, executive director of the Community Crisis Center. "With the hundreds of thousands of used cell phones sitting idly in our community, the fundraising potential is almost limitless."

The Community Crisis Center has partnered with Shelter Alliance (www.shelteralliance.net), a Miramar, Fla. firm that specializes in the logistics and underwriting of fundraising programs through the collection and responsible recycling of used cellular phones.

Shelter Alliance currently works with more than 3,000 social service organizations in 50 states and has contributed over $5,500,000 to participating organizations.

Cell phone collection drop boxes are currently established at the following locations in the community:

Community Crisis Center, 37 S. Geneva St. Elgin.

First Community Bank,165 S. Randall Road, Elgin.

Streamwood Police Department, 401 Irving Park Road, Streamwood.

Hoffman Estates Police Department, 1200 Gannon Drive, Hoffman Estates.

Kane County Recycling Center, 540 S. Randall Road, St. Charles on the second Saturday of every month.

Piece-a-Cake Bakery, 304 N. River St., East Dundee.

State Rep. Ruth Munson's office, 146 Dundee Ave., Elgin.

The Community Crisis Center requests and appreciates that the public bring their used, unwanted cell phones and battery to these locations during working hours. In addition, they are recycling print cartridges.

The Community Crisis Center is additionally soliciting local businesses to initiate collection campaigns with its employees, customers and vendors. They encourage businesses of all types to participate in this program. For details, call (847) 697-2380.

Since 1975, the Community Crisis Center, a not-for-profit social service agency, has provided comprehensive emergency services to individuals and families in northern Kane and northwest suburban Cook Counties. Services include a 24-hour hotline; information and referral; shelter for 40 women and children; individual and group counseling; legal, medical and welfare advocacy; transitional living program; financial assistance; emergency food; partner abuse intervention program; and community education. Last year our 72 employees provided 44,742 hours of services to 6,560 women, men and children. Services are available to victims at no cost.