By Brett Dalton
A local organization is looking to raise funds by collecting and recycling items everyone seems to have.
ReDiscover, a local non-profit mental health agency, and the ReDiscover Auxiliary are seeking out area individuals and businesses to participate in a pre-owned cell phone drive. The goal of the drive is to collect 5,000 used cell phones, which will be recycled to help raise money for services offered by ReDiscover. Beverly Ward, ReDiscover Auxiliary president, said used cell phones of any brand, model or operative ability are welcome. “If you know of any businesses that provide cell phones to employees, please ask if there are any unwanted cell phones they would like to donate,” Ward said. “We don’t need the chargers or accessories. We only need the cell phone and battery — chargers and other accessories are not necessary. The phones can be working or non-working, old or very old.”
There is no cost to participate in the drive, which is being described as “environmentally friendly.” This is the first year ReDiscover has conducted a cell phone drive to help raise funds. “They are pretty much getting their feet wet with it this year,” said Robin Blakely, spokesperson for ReDiscover. Already, some area businesses have taken part in the drive and have drop boxes set up at their area locations. ReDiscover has drop boxes available in Lee’s Summit, South Kansas City and Kansas City. Other area businesses already participating are Bank Midwest, Metropolitan Community College–Blue River, Fantastic Sam’s, Plato’s Closet and Progressive Insurance. “This is a great opportunity for the Lee’s Summit and surrounding communities to come together and help raise money for ReDiscover’s clientele,” Ward said. “This particular cell phone drive is different than all others because it is so easy to participate, it helps the community and the environment and the funds raised will help obtain necessary treatment for people that live in our community.”
The drive is considered favorable to the environment as the cell phones that can no longer be used will be recycled, instead of “being thrown in a landfill somewhere,” according to Bev Hatley, ReDiscover drive organizer. Hatley said the cell phones that can be used will be repaired as needed and distributed throughout the United States and other countries for use by emergency response agencies.
For a business to participate in the drive, Hatley said a representative from the company can call ReDiscover at 816-347-3259 and a ReDiscover representative will deliver a drop box to the business. For more information about ReDiscover, visit its Web site at www.rediscovermh.org.
