Sheriff’s department plans to collect old cellphones

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department will collect cellphones and accessories for a local domestic violence services provider during the Jackson County Fair, which begins at 1 p.m. Sunday.

A collection barrel will be available at the department’s booth at the main entrance to the fairgrounds in Brownstown for anyone who would like to donate a used cellphones and accessories, including chargers and cases.

The phones will be delivered to Turning Point, a Columbus-based provider of domestic violence services, which will reprogram some of the phones to be used for 911 calls only. Those phones will then be given to victims of domestic violence to help them stay safe while in the midst of a dangerous situation.

The remaining cellphones will be sent to Shelter Alliance, a cellphone recycling program that donates money to nonprofits in exchange for mobile phones that are no longer in use.

“This is our third year to work with Turning Point in this important cause,” Reserve Officer Scott Davis said. “We need the public’s help in getting cellphones in the hands of victims of domestic violence so they can have contact with emergency services during this difficult time in their lives.”

Turning Point, which serves eight counties in southern Indiana, including Jackson and Jennings, also accepts donations in the form of checks.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, contact Turning Point’s 24/7 crisis line at 800-221-6311.