Real People, Real Impact: How 911 Cell Phone Bank is Changing Lives

At the 911 Cell Phone Bank, we know that something as simple as a phone can be a lifeline. Every device donated through our program has the potential to make a life-changing difference for someone in need. Recently, we received a powerful testimonial from Shining Light in Darkness (NC) that highlights just how impactful our mission truly is.

A woman in crisis reached out for emergency housing while pregnant. In a vulnerable situation, she needed a way to connect with services and reach out for help when it mattered most. Thanks to the 911 Cell Phone Bank and Shining Light in Darkness, she received a phone that became her direct link to critical resources. Most importantly, when her water broke, she was able to call 911 immediately.

The result? A safe delivery and a healthy baby girl. Today, both mother and daughter—affectionately called “Little Light”—are doing well. This story is a testament to how a simple phone can mean the difference between crisis and safety, between fear and hope.

How the Program Works

The 911 Cell Phone Bank collects and securely processes donated cell phones and other electronic devices. These devices are wiped of all data and then distributed to victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, and other vulnerable individuals through law enforcement and victim service agencies. The goal is simple: provide a means of communication for those who need it most.

How You Can Help

Every phone donation can be a lifeline for someone in need. By donating unused or unclaimed (lost-and-found or property-and-evidence room) devices, you’re directly contributing to the safety and well-being of those in crisis. Whether you’re an individual, a company with a lost-and-found department, a law enforcement agency with a property-and-evidence room, or part of an organization looking to make an impact, your device donations matter and can help another person escape danger, access resources, or simply call for help in an emergency.

Together, we are making a real difference—one device, one call, one life at a time.