The local Red Cross has thought of a way to raise funds by collecting old cell phones.

The Southern Arizona Chapter of the American Red Cross is working in collaboration with Phones4Charity to allow groups from companies, schools or other places of business to collect old cell phones.

The phones will then be recycled to benefit the Southern Arizona Red Cross.

“We all have old cell phones lying around our homes. This is an easy way to support our local American Red Cross and do something good for the environment by recycling your old cell phones,” Richard White, Southern Arizona Red Cross Executive Director, said.

After the cell phones are collected, they will either be recycled or refurbished. Phones that are refurbished will be sent to countries where cell phones are necessary for communication and safety purposes.

Anyone can donate cell phones, two-way radios, pagers and walkie-talkies. They do not need to be working and it is recommended that service for the phones be deactivated before being donated.

Any company or organization interested in participating in the cell phone drive should contact the Southern Arizona Red Cross at (520) 318-6740.