First Lady Dianne Bentley Donates Nearly 2,500 Phones to HopeLine® for Victims of Domestic Abuse

MONTGOMERY—First Lady Dianne Bentley on Monday donated nearly 2,500 cell phones and accessories that were recently collected to HopeLine®.

HopeLine® is a national recycling program by Verizon Wireless. The program collects wireless devices and accessories that are no longer used. The phones and accessories can be refurbished, recycled and/or sold, with phones and proceeds directly benefiting victims of domestic violence through grants and the donation of wireless phones and service.

Mrs. Bentley challenged the Governor’s staff and cabinet and their employees to collect and donate used cell phones and accessories after she attended an event at One Place Family Justice Center that highlighted the work of those involved in abuse prevention.

“It is my hope that others across the state will donate their unused phones and accessories to HopeLine® because when victims of abuse are given proper resources and support, it helps end the cycle of violence,” Mrs. Bentley said. “We live in a wonderful state, and this is just one more way we can give back as a community and make a difference in the lives of our neighbors.”

Mrs. Bentley’s original goal was to help collect 500 phones for HopeLine®. By the time donations were tallied from various cabinet departments and agencies, nearly 2,500 were collected.

Also Monday, Mrs. Bentley was presented with the 2012 HopeLine® Hero Award for her work to raise community awareness about the issue of domestic violence and for her leadership in the collection of the phones and accessories. In addition, Verizon announced a $5,000 HopeLine® grant would be given to the domestic violence outreach of Mrs. Bentley’s choice.

Jonathan LeCompte, president of the Verizon Wireless Georgia/Alabama region, said the donation of wireless devices will connect the phones with the people who need them most.

“Because of First Lady Bentley’s dedication to this cause, Verizon will be able to give more HopeLine® grant dollars in Alabama and put more phones in the hands of people who need them," LeCompte said. "We gratefully accept the donation and are honored to share the First Lady's commitment by providing HopeLine®  funding to a domestic violence outreach of her choosing.”

All models of phones and accessories from all wireless carriers can be donated to the HopeLine® program.