UA’s Alpha Chi Omega Sorority Partners with Verizon to Collect Phones for Domestic Violence Victims

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alpha Chi Omega Sorority at The University of Alabama is partnering with Verizon Wireless during October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, to assist victims of domestic violence in Alabama and draw attention to this critical issue.

The sorority, whose national philanthropy is domestic violence awareness, will be collecting no longer used cell phones throughout October.

The donated phones will be used to call Verizon Wireless’s HopeLine®. Verizon Wireless established this service so that victims can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE) using the donated phones by dialing #HOPE.

“Our sorority emphasizes supporting women in need through numerous activities and fund-raisers to benefit victims of domestic violence. That is why we are excited to be partnering with Verizon Wireless’ HopeLine® program,” said Heather Pate, philanthropy chair for UA’s Alpha Chi Omega Chapter. “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.”

HopeLine® boxes will be placed in several locations throughout campus including Tutwiler Hall, Ferguson Center, Riverside, Lakeside, Paty Hall and the Student Recreation Center.

“It is estimated that more than 100 million wireless phones will be ‘retired’ this year in the United States,” said Jeff Mango, president of the Verizon Wireless Alabama/Georgia Region. “For consumers who are upgrading to new phones, HopeLine® provides an environmentally safe alternative to throwing handsets away, and potentially provides a lifeline for a domestic violence victim in need.”

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, one in three women will experience domestic or sexual violence in her lifetime. Additionally, Alabama is currently ranked 12th in the nation for intimate partner homicides and Tuscaloosa ranks fifth in the state for the number of domestic violence incidences.