4:55 p.m., May 5, 2008--A semester-long service learning project, part of a UD women's studies and criminal justice course, is partnering with Cold Stone Creamery to collect used cell phones to benefit the Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence (DCADV) from 5-9 p.m., Monday, May 12.

People who donate a used cell phone to DCADV will receive 10 percent off their order at the Cold Stone Creamery on East Main Street.

The event, which aims to raise awareness about domestic violence, will conclude a spring semester-long service project conducted by a course titled “Domestic Violence Services” (IFST/CRJU/WOMS 409). Early in the semester, Carol Post, executive director of DCADV, spoke to students about the history and accomplishments of the Coalition and discussed its current legislative activities and prevention work. Post explained ways in which additional funding would benefit the DCADV's programs, such as Savings For Safety, which helps survivors achieve economic independence from their batterers.

The students set a goal of collecting 1,000 cell phones after learning a class in a previous semester had collected more than 700.

Drop boxes are located at a dozen locations across campus, including the Christiana Commons, the Visitor's Center, Smith Hall, Alison Hall West and the Women's Studies office. The class also has contacted local businesses, including restaurants and cell phone stores.

The cell phones collected will be restored or recycled by Shelter Alliance, a Florida-based firm that specializes in the underwriting of fundraising programs through the collection and responsible recycling of used cell phones. The proceeds will help fund the work of DCADV.

For more information, contact Ruth Fleury-Steiner at [rfs@udel.edu] or (302) 831-8560.