Wednesday,
November 20, 2002
SUFFOLK
PROBATE REGISTRY CONCLUDES COLLECTION DRIVE; MORE THAN 150
MOBILE PHONES TO AID VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE AND ABUSE:
Following
an overwhelming public response to its 2nd annual
mobile phone collection drive, the Suffolk County Probate and
Family Court Registry is readying more than 150 phones,
batteries and chargers for reprogramming and use by victims of
domestic violence and abuse. “I think most everyone who
contributed appreciated the chance to get rid of an old mobile
phone, knowing that they’re putting it to good use in the
process,” said Register of Probate Richard Iannella.
The
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and The Wireless
Foundation sponsor the “Call to Protect” project, and are
supported by local mobile phone collection drives such as the
one conducted this past month by the Registry.
The
phones that were donated are currently being sent to Motorola
for reprogramming. During that procedure, the phones will be
reconfigured to dial 911 or local domestic violence contact
numbers only. They are then given free to persons who fear
physical abuse, as help can be summoned immediately if an
attack takes place.
“Here
in the Probate and Family Court, people turn to us many times
each day in order to get relief and help from violence and
abuse,” said Register Iannella. “Through successful
efforts like this, we are doing our best to prevent incidents
from happening -- and we might even save a life.”
