A cell phone fundraiser/recycling program to assist in the rebuilding of Haiti.

Town of Huntington Councilwoman Glenda A. Jackson announced today another way in which residents can support the victims of the January 12th earthquake in Haiti. Used and unwanted cell phones are being collected and recycled. Proceeds from this effort will go to the American Red Cross.

"This tragedy will take years to overcome and every dollar collected towards this effort will be precious," said Councilwoman Jackson. "Donating in this way will not overburden anyone's budget."

Statistics show that over 125 million cell phones are disposed of annually. Recycling them is imperative to protect our environment. In addition, many of the materials used to manufacture cell phones can be recovered to make new products. Metals, plastics, batteries and the packaging materials can be recycled and turned into new products.

"We will begin collecting cell phones here at Town Hall," stated Councilwoman Jackson. "A box will be placed in the lobby area where residents and staff can just stop by quickly and dispose of their cell phone equipment." The cell phones will be boxed and shipped to a cell phone recycling center. This facility has over 2,000 organizations collecting phones to support charitable and environmental programs worldwide. We have chosen that they give 100% of the recycled material value of the phones collected as a Town of Huntington contribution to the Red Cross for the Haiti relief effort.

Councilwoman Jackson is offering the opportunity for local businesses to participate in this endeavor as well. Businesses throughout the Town are invited to become a drop off location. If you would like to participate, a donation box and a window poster designating your store as a drop off location for "Phones for Haiti" will be dropped off. For information, call 351-3112.

Anyone wishing to donate a cell phone should first terminate their service on it. If you wish, you can clear the phone's memory of contacts and stored information and remove the SIM card. If you have any concerns before donating your phone, contact your phone service carrier or manufacturer.

"This is one simple way to aid in the exorbitant amount of needed dollars to help restore the devastation in Haiti. I encourage as many as possible to participate," said Councilwoman Jackson.