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Sheriff Terry Johnson announced at the Forest Home Township board meeting that he already has sent eight boxes of used cell phones to a Fort Lauderdale, Fla., based non-profit organization Ñ and welcomes more.

The Florida group takes the phones, inspects them, cleans them, charges their batteries and then reprograms them to be used as free 9-1-1 emergency phones.

"Any phone that can be turned on can access 9-1-1 services, even without a carrier service plan,Ó according to their information. ÒThen the phones are distributed to domestic violence shelters, senior centers, neighborhood watch groups, school crossing guards and other agencies with an immediate need for 9-1-1 access."

"We already have ordered six for some elderly people in this area," Johnson said, adding they will definitely prove to be of good value. The organization needs cell phones and batteries only, they get new chargers donated to them by one of their corporate donors. All those donating are eligible for a tax deduction.

For information on the program, prepaid mailing labels or to download a tax receipt, visit online at www.donatemycellphone.org or call toll-free 888-883-6628.