Cell phones may come and go, but helping others can last a lifetime — and it doesn’t always have to involve donating money.

The Communication Graduate Student Association is collecting old cell phones and cell phone accessories to help victims of violence.

“The great thing about this is that you don’t need to give money,” CGSA President Erin Kleman said. “But everyone has old cell phones that they can donate.”

The collected cell phones will be given to Safer Futures Shelter, a community service organization that aids victims of domestic violence in Portage County.

“Safer Futures works with someone that programs the number 911 into the phones,” Kleman said. “The phones are given out to families, and (the donated phone) only calls that number.”

Kleman said that the programmed phones are sometimes the family’s only chance at safety.

“This is a project that can have a real impact on people,” Kleman said.

Katie Purcell, president of the Kent Communication Society and a senior interpersonal communication studies major, agrees with Kleman.

“I think it’s a great way to relate the major to helping other people,” Purcell said. “When you can use your skills to help others, it’s a really good feeling.”

The cell phones are being collected through Nov. 22 in Room D202 of the Music and Speech Center.

Kleman suggested putting the phone and its charger in a bag so the phone accessories will stay together.

“I hope this project hits close to home, especially around the spirit of Thanksgiving,” Kleman said.

Contact College of Arts and Sciences reporter Azka Khan at [email protected].