by Sequim Gazette Staff

The Clallam County Sheriff’s Office distributed four emergency-use cell phones to senior citizens in Sequim as part of its 9-1-1 cell phone program.

During the past two months 86 used cell phones were donated to the Sheriff’s Office for the program, which recycles the phones through the 911 Cell Phone Bank and receives reprogrammed cell phones in return.

The cell phones only connect to 9-1-1 and are free to senior citizens, people who live alone or victims of violent crimes, who may have no way of contacting 9-1-1 for an emergency.

So far, the Sheriff’s Office has received 16 cell phones to distribute.

The 911 Cell Phone Bank is an initiative of the Charitable Recycling Foundation, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization. It is endorsed and partnered with the National Sheriffs’ Association, the National Association of Triads and the National Organization for Victim Assistance. All contributions are tax deductible.

Used cell phones may be donated to the program via several drop-off locations. Chargers, cases and extra batteries should be included if possible.

For more information call Lorraine Shore at 417-2376.