Maybe you ditched your flip phone for Siri or maybe you are one of those people who looses cell phones like socks in a dryer; once you have replaced it, the old phone always seems to show up. Instead of the trash, Creighton students chose to donate them.

The Lieben Center hosted a cell phone drive on campus last week on behalf of the Women’s Center for Advancement. Lori Durako, Deglman Hall Resident Director, said these old phones will be used for good.

“These phones have the potential to save lives,” Durako said.

The cell phones donated by Creighton students will be given to women in abusive relationships who may not be at a point where they are comfortable leaving. The women are encouraged to use the phone as a lifeline in case of an emergency. The phones are cleared of all information and contacts and are programmed with emergency numbers.

“It’s an easy way to help,” Durako said. “We all know that we have limited time and money, especially as college students, so donating something like an old phone is an easy and specific way to make a difference.

Creighton has a partnership with the WCA through its Violence, Intervention and Prevention (VIP) Center. Durako said the cell phone drive is an opportunity to give back.

“With all the help the WCA is offering our campus, donating cell phones is a great way to say thank you and return in supporting their cause,” Durako said.

While the phones were collected last week, individuals can drop off cell phones at the front desk of Deglman Hall and ask that they be placed in the Lieben Center mailbox.

For more information: http://www.wcaomaha.org/