Sorority, Verizon hold phone drive

For some people, life without a cell phone is hard to imagine.

Cell phones keep everyone connected and provide people with a tool to use in times of trouble to call for help.

But for others, owning a cell phone is not a possibility. Even as technology continues to become more affordable, there are many people who barely have the income to put food in their stomachs, let alone cell phones in their pockets.

In recognition of October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Alpha Chi Omega sorority and Verizon Wireless are sponsoring a phone drive to assist local victims of domestic violence.

Along with the UA chapter, Alpha Chi Omega chapters from Auburn University and Birmingham-Southern University are also participating. The three chapters will be competing to see who can collect the most phones.

Heather Pate, philanthropy chairwoman for Alpha Chi Omega's UA chapter, said the sorority emphasizes supporting women in need through many activities and fundraisers that benefit victims of domestic violence.

"This is an easy way for our members to help others as well as spread the word that domestic violence is unacceptable on campus or anywhere," Pate said.

Until the end of October, donation boxes labeled with the Verizon Wireless logo will be around campus for depositing no-longer-used cell phones. Donation boxes can be found in many campus buildings including the Ferguson Center, the Student Recreation Center and many residence halls.

The phone drive will contribute to Verizon Wireless' HopeLine program, which focuses on putting wireless products and services to work to prevent domestic violence. Used phones are collected nationwide and refurbished or recycled, and funds are used to purchase new wireless phones with airtime for victims of domestic violence.

Pate said students who want to help but do not have a phone to donate should ask others if they have phones they can donate. She said students should consider the results of the drive to encourage them to participate.

"It's not just about the competition we're focusing on," Pate said. "We're focusing on how we're bettering someone's lives for their future."

Pate said the drive has gone well so far, but the sorority would still like to see more donations.

"We've collected a lot of cell phones," Pate said. "We still need more. It has been going good, but it could be going better."