CONTACT: Charlene P. Ferranti, Public Relations Officer, 401-348-1363
DATE: October 1, 2009
Washington Trust Is Collecting Cell Phones For Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Washington Trust is once again collecting used cell phones during the month of October at all branch locations to support Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County (DVRCSC) will reprogram the phones for 911 calls to provide safety to victims, recycle the parts to save the environment, or use as a fundraiser for the center's programs. The program has been a successful source of funds for the organization. Since the cell phone recycling and fundraising program began collecting in 2001, the DVRCSC has received more than $15,000.
“Despite increased awareness, prevention, and education programs, domestic violence continues to affect our society,” said Elizabeth B. Eckel, senior vice president of marketing of Washington Trust and member of the Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County Advisory Board. “It is a small way that community members can make a big impact on a critical social problem.”
“By recycling cell phones, we help victims of domestic violence and we help the environment,” explained Mary Roda, executive director of the Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County. “Partners like Washington Trust are a big help in raising awareness and funds, especially with the October cell phone drive.”
The Washington Trust Company is a subsidiary of Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc., a $2.9 billion corporation headquartered in Westerly, Rhode Island. Founded in 1800, Washington Trust is the oldest community bank in the nation and is the largest independent bank headquartered in Rhode Island. A state-chartered bank, Washington Trust offers a full range of financial services, including business banking , personal banking , and wealth management and trust services through its offices located in Rhode Island, Southeastern Connecticut and Massachusetts. The Corporation's common stock trades on The NASDAQ Global Select® Stock Market under the symbol WASH. Web site address: www.washtrust.com .
