“For some seniors, going to the corner grocery or to synagogue or church becomes overwhelming because they don’t feel secure outside of the confines of their home,” Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) explains. “What happens if they fall? What happens if they have a spell? And they are wary of being easy targets for criminals. Now there is a way for an elderly or disabled person to feel empowered — to overcome that vulnerable feeling. These cell phones add a measure of security.”
 
The cell phones were donated by constituents who had unused cell phones when they upgraded to newer models and by T-Mobile, which generously provided cell phones for the project. The phones are intended for emergency use only; they do not have active service or airtime minutes. “In an emergency, they can make a vital difference, when seconds count,” Hikind added.
 
Phones will be distributed at the Senior Sunday Cell Phone Event, Sunday, May 18th, 11:00 a.m. at the Boro Park Y at 4910 14th Avenue. Refreshments will be served at the event. Seniors must register in advance for the cell phones by calling Hikind’s office at 718-853-9616.
 
“I want to thank those individuals who participated in this campaign by donating their old cell phones, and I want to make special mention of T-Mobile who supplemented our supply with their phones. This is an opportunity for our community and for T-Mobile to give back to our seniors who have given us so much and have made significant contributions to society. Phones will be available for pick-up at the event. There is a limited supply of phones, therefore they will be available on a first come first serve basis. These cell phones can give some seniors peace of mind and maybe even save a life.”