Fairfax, VA -- From October through December, the Fairfax County Commission for Women is collecting used cell phones to help victims of domestic violence. The proceeds collected from the drive will benefit the Fairfax County domestic violence shelter.

The effort was launched as part of the county’s recognition of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The county’s Commission for Women is conducting the drive in partnership with Verizon Wireless’ HopeLine program, which collects used wireless phones and equipment and refurbishes or recycles them for resale. Funds raised are then contributed to nonprofit domestic violence shelters and prevention programs across the country. Victims of domestic violence also receive donated phones and airtime through this program. http://aboutus.vzw.com/communityservice/hopeLine.html

Cell phones, cell phone batteries and chargers may be dropped off at the Fairfax County Office for Women & Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 318, Fairfax, VA 22035.

For more information about the cell phone collection drive, call the Fairfax County Office for Women & Domestic and Sexual Violence Services at 703-324-5730; TTY 703-324-5706.

To find out more about the county’s domestic and sexual violence services, visit the Fairfax County Web site at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/news/domestic_violence_month.htm

The Fairfax County Commission for Women, established in 1971, has been an active voice for women advising the county’s Board of Supervisors in areas such as domestic violence, educational equality, and progress in the workplace. The Commission is part of a national network of some 300 state and local Commissions for Women.