Anson County Sheriff Tommy Allen announced today the start of a new program at the Sheriff’s Office called “911 Cell Phone Bank.”  The program will provide free cell phones to senior citizens; individuals who live alone or victims of domestic violence or other violent crimes and who may have no way of contacting 911 for an emergency.  Anyone with old, no longer used cell phones may turn them in at the Sheriff’s Office. The 911 Cell Phone Bank will send the Sheriff’s Office a supply cell phones to keep on hand to give out when needed or requested. The phones will be distributed free through the Sheriff’s Office; as well as the Grace Senior Citizens Center and the local Domestic Violence organization.  The phones will only call 911.

“This program will allow individuals who may not have easy access to a cell phone to have one free of charge to use for emergencies.  Even those with house phones can carry these phones with them when they are outside or away from their homes.” Sheriff Allen said.  “The used phones we collect will be sent to the Cell Phone Bank organization for reconditioning and they will send us back a supply to keep on hand for local distribution.”  Allen said.

 A box to drop off used cell phones and accessories is located at the Sheriff’s Office in Wadesboro.  ALSO, individuals may drop off used cell phones at Town Hall locations in Ansonville, Peachland, Polkton, Lilesville, and Morven and at the General Store and Fast Shop in Burnsville.