For Immediate Release

Kentucky Venues Partners with 911 Cell Phone Bank to Support Victims of Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking

Louisville, KY – The 911 Cell Phone Bank, an initiative of the Charitable Recycling Foundation, Inc., proudly announces its newest partnership with Kentucky Venues, furthering its mission to provide access to emergency services for those in need. Through this collaboration, Kentucky Venues will donate unclaimed electronic devices from its lost-and-found to support law enforcement and victim advocacy agencies nationwide.

Since 2005, 911 CPB has provided over 250,000 devices to victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, offering a vital connection to emergency services. Kentucky Venues’ commitment to responsible recycling and community safety makes it an ideal partner in expanding this critical initiative.

Ian Cox, Executive Director of Communications for Kentucky Venues, emphasized the significance of this partnership: “For years, we struggled with how to properly recycle unclaimed electronics. This partnership not only provides a sustainable solution but also supports a cause that directly benefits vulnerable individuals.”

How the Program Works

After all efforts to reunite unclaimed devices with their rightful owners have been exhausted, participating organizations securely send them to the 911 Cell Phone Bank. Each device undergoes a rigorous data-erasure process to protect personal information before being either properly recycled for parts or reintroduced into the program, preventing harmful e-waste. Once cleared, these phones are distributed to law enforcement and advocacy agencies, which then provide them to individuals in crisis.

For victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, access to a secure phone can be life-changing. Abusers often control all electronic devices, using them as tools for surveillance and manipulation. The phones provided through the 911 Cell Phone Bank come fully activated and free from any outside control, offering survivors a safe means of communication. In many cases, these devices serve as a literal lifeline, empowering victims to seek help, escape dangerous situations, and begin rebuilding their lives.

Kentucky Venues: A Hub for Community Impact

Kentucky Venues, the organization responsible for managing the Kentucky International Convention Center and the Kentucky Exposition Center, plays a significant role in the state’s tourism and agriculture industries. Home to major events such as the Kentucky State Fair, National Farm Machinery Show, World Championship Horse Show, and North American International Livestock Exposition, Kentucky Venues hosts 14 of the top 16 events in Louisville in 2025 alone.

This year, the Kentucky State Fair celebrates its 120th anniversary, coincidentally the same number of counties in the state. As a steward of community engagement, Kentucky Venues continues to leverage its reach and resources to benefit the people of Kentucky and beyond.

Join the Movement

As the 911 Cell Phone Bank celebrates 20 years of service, organizations across the country are encouraged to participate in this life-saving initiative. If your company has a lost-and-found department, consider donating unclaimed devices to support victims in need. For more information on how your organization can get involved, visit www.911CellPhoneBank.org or call 866-290-7864.

Together, Kentucky Venues and 911 Cell Phone Bank are turning forgotten devices into life-saving tools, ensuring those in crisis have the resources they need to seek help and rebuild their lives.

Click to print a free shipping label to donate your devices to help victims of trafficking and domestic violence.