Refurbished cell phones to aid March of Dimes

Refurbished cell phones
to aid March of Dimes

When the township asked residents to donate used cellular phones to assist a local domestic violence organization last year, Brick officials said the response was overwhelming. Now the township is asking residents to donate used cell phones to the March of Dimes, which will use the phones to generate funds needed to fight premature birth.

"Well over 100 people answered our call, donating nearly 400 cell phones, which were in turn donated to a local charity group that helps victims of domestic violence," Mayor Joseph Scarpelli said in a press release. "I am confident that the people of our community will support this as enthusiastically as our previous efforts."

March of Dimes was founded over a half century ago to fight polio. Today, the March of Dimes’ mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. They do this through programs of research, community services, education and advocacy.

"Donating an old cell phone is a small gesture that will go a long way in helping the March of Dimes in their mission to save babies," said Kate MacDonald, assistant zoning officer, whose grandson was born prematurely. "I can attest from personal experience about the difference the March of Dimes makes in the lives of babies who are born prematurely and their families."

Donated cell phones will be refurbished and remarketed. Each refurbished cell phone generates an average of $3-$4. Newer cell phones can generate upward of $10 each. Each cell phone will generate funds that will be used by the March of Dimes for research into the causes of premature birth, education to help women have healthy babies, and assistance to health-care providers in identifying women at risk for premature birth.

Anyone wishing to donate a cell phone to the March of Dimes through Brick Township should contact Kate MacDonald at (732) 262-1043.

MacDonald also organizes a team from Brick to participate in the March of Dimes WalkAmerica every spring. Last year, the team raised more than $2,000. This year’s walk will take place at Ocean County College on Sunday, April 25. Anyone who wishes to join the team may call MacDonald.

For more information regarding WalkAmerica, visit http://www.walkamerica.org. For more information regarding donating a cell phone to the March of Dimes, visit www.wirelessrecycling.com/home/donations/march_of_dimes.html.