Q: My wife is a Verizon cellphone customer, and she gets a new phone with each contract renewal. Consequently, we have several old unused phones. Is there some charitable group we can donate them to? Is there a way I can get a phone number and use one of the phones without subscribing to a long-term contract?— Lawrence McNeal, Aurora
A: Fortunately for everyone, the answer to both your questions is a resounding “yes!”
More impressive is that you can actually handle either of your concerns at your local Verizon Wireless store.
The company has established its HopeLine program, where unused cellphones and accessories are refurbished for sale or safe disposal. The program benefits local shelters and nonprofits that focus on domestic- violence prevention and awareness. The proceeds are used to provide wireless phones or cash grants to the shelters.
There are other nonprofits that run basically the same type of recycling program, limited only by their ingenuity. For instance, the Animal Rescue Foundation has started a cellphone-recycling program to benefit lowland gorillas, and there are programs that benefit economically distressed areas by providing them emergency communications and some that provide phone cards to soldiers.
For your own use, you can obtain a prepaid phone plan, which Verizon and others offer, although Verizon limits participation to its own products. There is no contract or long- term commitment and no financial or credit background check.
You can even activate your phone for a 24-hour period — such as for a trip. Another good idea is to have the phone stored in your car for emergency 911 use only. A handy thing at any time, and it’s usually free.
David Migoya wants to get the answers to your consumer questions. E-mail consumertips@ denverpost.com or write to Consumer Shopping Bag, The Denver Post, 101 W. Colfax Ave., Suite 600, Denver, CO, 80202.
