West Virginia Wireless accepting used phones for Sago fund

CHARLESTON -- West Virginia Wireless is spearheading a used cell phone drive to raise money for the Sago Mine Disaster Fund.

The goal is designed to encourage people across the state to donate used wireless phones that are no longer in service. The phones will be collected through Feb. 3, and all proceeds generated will be donated to the Sago Mine Disaster Fund. The fund was established with an initial $2 million contribution from ICG Chairman Wilbur Ross.

Vice President of PC Management and West Virginia Wireless General Manager Dennis Bloss initiated the project to support those in need.
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"While we do not directly service the area in West Virginia that this disaster took place, over 90 percent of our work force, just as myself, are native West Virginians," said Bloss, who grew up in Wayne. "Therefore, we understand the impact of mining in our state and the vital role this industry plays in our nation.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with these families and with the one survivor and his family"

Bloss also said West Virginia Wireless will assume all shipping and transportation cost of the donated phones. The total funds raised will be issued in a check to the Sago Mine Disaster Fund.

Used wireless phones in any condition can be dropped off at any West Virginia Wireless retail store through Feb. 3. West Virginia Wireless has retail stores at the following locations: Beckley Crossings Plaza across from Kroger, Crossroads Mall outside of JCPenney, Mercer Mall in Bluefield, 233 Virginia Street, off of Truslow Street in Downtown Charleston, Charleston Town Center (second floor next to Dairy Queen), Great Teays Boulevard in Teays Valley (next to Schlotzsky's), Huntington Mall (next to Steak Escape), 4th Avenue, Downtown Huntington and at 828 Winchester Avenue in Ashland, Ky.

In December 2004, West Virginia Wireless and V100 Radio in Charleston teamed to promote a two week "Donate–A-Phone" event in just two Charleston-area stores. They collected a large pallet of phones to recycle, raising a $5,000 donation for an area family in need.

For more information about the West Virginia Wireless "Donate-A-Phone" Program or for West Virginia Wireless retail store locations, contact Bloss at 304-720-4000 or 1-866-TO GO WVW.