How to Collect Cell Phones
Collecting used cell phones helps the community and can raise money for a nonprofit, charitable organization or school fundraiser. Some organizations refurbish used phones and redistribute them to those in need. Others sell them to recycling companies and keep the funds to support their missions, such as helping soldiers overseas or paying for school field trips. Several companies help make that part of the fund-raising process quick and easy. The only real challenge for you is collecting the phones in your community.
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Instructions
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Planning Your Fundraiser
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Pick a charity. Before you begin collecting cell phones, decide what cause you plan to support. The collection process will be different if you're working with a charity that has an existing cell phone program -- such as Cell Phones for Soldiers -- or if you're creating your own. Knowing about who you're supporting also will help convince others to donate to the cause.
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Do your research. If you're collecting for an established program, read the "Frequently Asked Questions" or "How to Donate" sections of its website carefully. Are there any restrictions on the type of phones that can be submitted? Does the group provide prepaid shipping labels, or do you need to pay shipping yourself? What sort of packaging do you need to ship the phones, and where are they shipped?
If you're hoping to collect phones to support your own nonprofit endeavor, compare your options for partner companies. Do you want to sell directly to a recycling center, or use a middleman agency such as Phones 4 Charity that specializes in fund-raising efforts?
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Create an account. If you choose to work with an agency, make sure you've established an account before you start collecting phones. Phones 4 Charity's website, for example, says accounts can be established over the phone or by mailing or faxing a completed "Phone Drive Start-up Form" to its offices. Charities with established programs also may encourage you to sign up with them before starting a collection effort. Cell Phones for Soldiers, for example, offers an online resource center for official collectors to help them get started.
Running Your Fundraiser
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Establish drop-off points in high traffic areas such as a school lobby, an office receptionist's desk or the checkout counter at a local business. Remember the old saying: "Location, location, location." Obtain permission from the owner/manager, and then place a sturdy box that's clearly labeled for cell-phone donations.
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Advertise. Use flyers, posters and word-of-mouth to let people know about the collection drive. Send a media release to the local newspaper. Social-networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter also can help spread the word. Be sure to explain what charity you're raising the money for, tell people when and where they can make a donation and list any restrictions on which phones you're accepting.
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Follow through. Check the donation boxes regularly during the drive to make sure they're not overflowing, and collect them promptly when the drive is finished. Mail the phones according to the specific instructions provided by the group you chose. If you collected primarily at a school or office, consider posting flyers after the drive thanking the group for its support and sharing how much was raised.
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Tips & Warnings
If you know someone who has collected phones in the past, ask him what agency he used and whether he would recommend it.
Websites such as CharityGuide offer additional suggestions for charities that accept phone donations.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit cell phone image by Alexey Klementiev from Fotolia.com
