Club collecting

old cell phones

PUTNAM — The Putnam Leos are collecting old cell phones as part of their Cell Phone Recycle Campaign for Hope Phones.

The phones go to help women in the developing world connect to the care and information they critically need - especially in cases of emergencies. And hard working health care providers lose precious time traveling to patients in rural areas who could otherwise be reached by phone.

The drive began Feb. 17 and continues through Feb. 24 at WINY, the Putnam Public Library, and in the main office at Putnam High School. The phones are refurbished, wiped clean of memory and distributed to those in need. Last year’s collection effort saw almost 100 phones and $30 raised for the Hope Phones effort.