7 Frequently Asked Questions About a Smart Phone Program

Recycling is necessary to keep our planet clean. Many citizens participate in projects in which donated items are being re-used. For instance, glasses can be dropped off at any optometrist. They are repaired or upgraded and distributed to the poor. If you are truly interested in helping others, and have no glasses to donate, you will find another way. There are many companies organizing help. Some of them collect aluminum cans, while others utilize a smart phone program to generate money. Why not put those cell phones collecting dust in a drawer to good use?

You may have lots of questions when this is the first time that you want to give away a Smartphone to raise money for charity. Here are seven frequently asked questions.
1. When does a phone qualify for a fund-raising project?
A: Your phone will fit the requirements when it is no more than three years old; required a data plan from a cell phone provider; can connect to the Internet; has email capabilities, and uses Apps.

2. What about the personal information on my Blackberry?
A: You have nothing to worry about, because the first thing a technician does with a functioning phone is to remove all the personal information from the donor. If that is not secure enough, you can reset the phone yourself before shipping it.

3. Are flip phones acceptable?
A: Many companies refuse these types of old smart phones, because they have little resale value. Companies reselling phones for charitable purposes fix up the devices, sell them, and then give the proceeds to a good cause. They need products consumers still want to buy.

4. My phone is broken. Is it still useful to you?
A: Quite often, smart phones can be refurbished, and sold for an affordable price.

5. Can companies organize a corporate drive to raise money for a local charity?
A: Absolutely! Place a collection box in a common area, such as the cafeteria or the lobby. The employees can turn in their old smart phones when they pick up their new device. There is no limit to the amount of personal and corporate phones you can send in.

6. What do you consider a Smartphone?
A: This type of phone requires a data plan from your cellular provider. It has email and Internet capabilities, and accepts applications.
7. What else do you accept for a charitable smart phone program?
A: Companies tapping into underutilized resources for charitable giving can also use phone chargers and accessories. You can mail them in the original box of your Smartphone or a padded envelope.