The Selma Times-Journal

Battered and abused women will have a chance to reach out for help thanks to a program providing cell phones sponsored by the Exchange Club.

Gene Hisel, president-elect of the Club, said the club is dedicated to helping reduce domestic violence in the area.

The Exchange Club will work with the SABRA Sanctuary for abused women and children to collect used cell phones.

The phones will be reprogrammed, allowing women to dial 911.

Even phones that aren’t working can help as well, according to SABRA Director Nancy Travis.

She said a company buys non-working cell phones.

Hisel and other Club members will be collecting phones through the next few months.

Although the program has already begun, Hisel said the Club is holding an official kick-off at the Central Alabama State Fair.

Hisel said that donors can drop phones off at the fair or call him or fellow Club member Kelly Sue Giampietro.

Contact Hisel at 874-6121 or Giampietro at 412-0751 for more information.