Frequently Asked Questions

What is Secure the Call Foundation?

Who benefits from the efforts of Secure the Call Foundation?

What kinds of phones are you collecting?

Should I send chargers and accessories?

If my cell phone does not work, can I still donate it?

How do I donate a cell phone?

What happens to my cell phone after I donate it?

Are tax receipts for my donation available?

Is there a risk that I may get a phone bill for the next person that uses my phone?

Can I organize a collection locally?

What is Secure the Call Foundation?
Secure the Call Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free emergency 911 cell phones to people that need them. Whether it's a school crossing guard, senior citizen or a domestic violence victim needing the police, a cell phone can help save a life.  We believe that it is extremely important for people to be able to get help in an emergency.

Who benefits from the efforts of Secure the Call Foundation?
Secure the Call will benefit people who would otherwise not be able to obtain a 911 emergency cell phone. The program has the potential to help tens of thousands of people in the community. Many community-based organizations have joined with Secure the Call to distribute phones to those who need them. To get you organization involved, please call us at (888) 88-DONATE.

What kinds of cell phones are you collecting?
Secure the Call Foundation accepts all makes and models of mobile phones.

Should I send the charger or other accessories for my cell phone?
No.  We use brand new chargers that are donated to us by local businesses.  You can help us reduce shipping costs by not sending us your old chargers & accessories since we will be using the new chargers.

If my cell phone does not work, can I still donate it?
Yes. When donated phones go through the reprogramming process, minor repairs can be made. Depending on the nature of the defect, there still is a chance that it can be repaired and converted into a 911 emergency phone.

How do I donate a cell phone?
Donations can be mailed to us using one of our prepaid USPS mailing labels.  Secure the Call will also make donation boxes available to any organization that wishes to help in the collection effort.
Click here to download a mailing label to attach to your donation.

What happens to my cell phone after I donate it?
All phones are cleaned, wiped clear of software and old numbers, reprogrammed and tested.  The phones are then redistributed to our partners to be given out as 911 cell phones.

Are tax receipts for my donation available?
Yes, donors can download a tax receipt for their donation by clicking here.

Is there a risk that I may get a phone bill for the next person that uses my phone?
No, as long as your phone has been disconnected from its service provider, there is no risk of getting a bill for a future user. Before a phone can be redistributed, the software in it is cleaned out, so there are no security or privacy issues.

Can I organize a collection locally?
Yes, if your organization is interested in helping with the collection effort, please call (888) 88-DONATE, and we will send you a donation box so that you can help. Once the box becomes full, we will provide a free mailing label for you to return the phones to us.