Tag: #HumanTrafficking

Behind every great hotel stay is a team of dedicated professionals whose work often goes unseen. This National Hotel Employee Day, we’re celebrating the front desk associates, housekeepers, engineers, security teams, and lost and found staff who create exceptional guest experiences every day. We also recognize the important role they play in protecting guest privacy through the responsible handling of unclaimed electronic devices.

Auctions can be an effective way to dispose of many types of unclaimed property, but electronics are a different story. Cell phones, tablets, laptops, and smart devices contain sensitive personal data, depreciate quickly, and often generate far less revenue than organizations expect. Before sending your unclaimed electronics to auction, consider the hidden costs, potential risks, and why a secure donation program may provide greater value for your organization, your customers, and your community.

July is Cell Phone Courtesy Month, a reminder to be more mindful of how we use the devices that are always within reach. From putting away distractions during conversations to safely disposing of old phones, small habits can make a big difference for both the people around us and those in need.

Every donated device has a story. Some hold years of family memories, conversations, and connections. When LeAnn donated her late mother-in-law Evelyn’s phone to 911 Cell Phone Bank, she wasn’t simply recycling an old device. She was continuing a legacy of kindness. Discover how one family’s heartfelt donation reminds us that a device’s story doesn’t end when it’s no longer needed. Sometimes, it’s just beginning.

Our 2025 Annual Report is now available, and it reflects what your support made possible this year. In 2025, 911 Cell Phone Bank securely processed 94,737 devices and diverted 70,222.66 lbs of electronics from landfills. Devices were securely data-erased and routed to responsible outcomes, including 87,264 repurposed for reuse and 40,974 sent to certified recycling when reuse was not possible. Read the report and see the impact that was made.

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is a time to honor survivors, raise awareness, and strengthen support for those impacted by crime. Learn how communities can make a difference and how even small actions can help victims rebuild and reconnect.

Transit lost-and-found departments often accumulate unclaimed devices that can pose security and environmental risks. Many agencies are partnering with 911 Cell Phone Bank to securely erase and reassign these electronics, turning them into lifelines for survivors of human trafficking. Learn how this partnership strengthens safety and sustainability.

Domestic violence can involve more than physical harm. It can include isolation, coercion, and technology-enabled monitoring that makes it harder for survivors to safely reach help. This national resource guide outlines practical steps, trusted hotlines, and why access to a secure phone can be a lifeline. Learn how donating unused and unclaimed devices through 911 Cell Phone Bank can support survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking.

Super Bowl LX offers a chance to raise awareness about human trafficking and empower communities to recognize the signs of exploitation and know how to respond. Learn what indicators to watch for, how to report suspected trafficking safely, and how you can support survivors.

Teen dating violence affects thousands of young people each year and can include physical, emotional, sexual, or digital abuse. Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in February is a time to learn the warning signs, promote healthy relationships, and support survivors. Discover how providing safe communication through donated devices can make a real difference.

Identity theft can happen to anyone and often goes unnoticed until real damage is done. This Identity Theft Awareness Week resource explains common warning signs, how fraud occurs, and practical steps you can take to protect your personal information and devices.

Human trafficking affects every community, with 1 in 6 endangered runaways likely becoming victims and more than 21,000 survivors identified in 2024. Many escape with only the clothes they are wearing, cut off from loved ones and support. This month, learn why something as simple as a donated cell phone can give survivors the ability to stay safe, connected, and supported.

Selling unclaimed devices can look like a conflict of interest and damage guest trust. Learn a safer option with verified data erasure and donation.

When a group of donated phones reach a safe house for human trafficking survivors, they become more than devices—they become lifelines, offering connection, hope, and a path to healing.

The AGA has helped transform what was once considered “lost and found liability” into a nationwide movement of compassion and responsibility — securely repurposing unclaimed devices into tools that protect, empower, and save lives. Read the full story to see how this remarkable partnership is redefining corporate responsibility in the gaming industry.

Sustainability is top of mind for today’s travelers. More than 80% say it influences their hotel choice. One often-overlooked area where hotels can advance sustainability while reducing risk is in how they manage unclaimed items in lost and found, especially electronic devices…

Evidence rooms across the country are overflowing with unclaimed and outdated electronics—taking up space and creating unnecessary headaches for law enforcement. Instead of letting these devices sit idle, there’s a smarter solution. By securely clearing and repurposing electronics through the 911 Cell Phone Bank, agencies can clear valuable storage space and directly help victims of abuse and human trafficking.

Many organizations are looking for meaningful ways to give back to their communities. Whether you’re planning a year-end employee initiative, a customer-facing outreach effort, or simply want to make a local impact—here’s an idea that’s simple, powerful, and life-saving.

A recent study revealed that a staggering number of phones sold at online auctions still contain sensitive data. This highlights a hard truth: If devices aren’t securely and professionally wiped, your agency/company could be liable for breaches of privacy, data theft, extortion, or worse. This article addresses the best way to handle these devices without putting the public—or the agency/company—at risk.

What happens when a guest leaves their phone behind at a casino? At Cherokee Nation Entertainment, that moment becomes an opportunity to make a difference. Through its partnership with the 911 Cell Phone Bank, Cherokee Nation ensures unclaimed devices are securely repurposed to support victims of human trafficking and domestic violence. It’s a powerful example of how businesses can turn everyday situations into meaningful acts of community care.

Women and girls account for 65% of identified trafficking victims, with children comprising nearly one-third of all cases. Traffickers frequently target refugees, migrants, and displaced individuals, preying on those with limited access to support or safety. The 911 Cell Phone Bank reaffirms its mission to provide secure phones to survivors and the advocates who protect them. Since 2004, over 250,000 devices have been distributed—each one a critical tool for escaping danger and reclaiming freedom.

What happens to the phones left behind in hotels, airports, or public venues? At 911 Cell Phone Bank, they’re transformed into lifelines for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. Our latest press release shares how we’re working with organizations nationwide to turn forgotten tech into frontline support.

Hotels across Florida are finding themselves in a legal and logistical dilemma when it comes to handling unclaimed items left behind by guests. Thanks to Florida Statute 705.185, which outlines strict requirements for disposing of lost and abandoned property, hotel operators must now navigate a maze of compliance, liability, and ethical responsibility.

What happens to your unclaimed lost and found items matters. Instead of selling them for minor profit, more organizations are choosing to donate—protecting their reputation, simplifying compliance, and making a real impact in the lives of others. Here’s why donating unclaimed property is the smarter, more socially responsible choice.

From lost phones to life-saving tools—Seminole Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos are making every device count. Through their partnership with the 911 Cell Phone Bank, unclaimed electronics from their lost & found are securely wiped and repurposed to support survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking.

This year alone, the 911 Cell Phone Bank: 1) Wiped data from 40,125 phones, 2) Recycled 117,020 lbs of e-waste, 3) Helped survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking find safety. Read our full 2024 Annual Report to see how we’re saving lives and protecting the planet—one device at a time.

Over the past 20 years, we’ve worked with law enforcement agencies, victim service organizations, and countless businesses across the country to collect, wipe, and repurpose unused phones and electronic devices. Here are 6 powerful lessons we’ve learned—delivered in 5 minutes or less.

PENN exemplifies leadership in corporate responsibility by implementing a sustainable solution for electronic devices found in their casinos.

A smartphone walks into a lost and found and mutters, “Last thing I remember was falling between the hotel bed and the nightstand.” If lost phones could talk, oh, the stories they’d tell…

Despite decades of progress, many survivors face significant barriers to accessing services that protect their rights, offer safety, and foster healing. 911 Cell Phone Bank supports advocacy programs by providing donated cell phones to victims and survivors.

In a partnership with the 911 Cell Phone Bank, the Broward County Sheriff’s Department, Coral Springs Police Department, Broward County Transit System, and our newest partnership in the area, Women in Distress advocacy program, demonstrate how a community can come together to offer a vital resource for victims and survivors, thus combating the issues of human trafficking and domestic violence efficiently.

As businesses strive to meet Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, many overlook a crucial opportunity: sustainable technology disposal. Properly managing electronic waste (e-waste) is not just about environmental responsibility—it’s also a chance to create positive social impact and strengthen governance practices. Here’s how to identify gaps and take action.

“Reducing e-waste is not just an environmental imperative; it’s a social responsibility. By recycling phones, we’re not only protecting the planet but also providing vital tools to help vulnerable individuals.”

Maria found herself trapped. Jake took her identification and money, forcing her into sex work under threats of violence. He monitored her every move—checking her call logs, tracking her location, and even reading her messages through spyware installed on her phone. If she tried to contact anyone for help, he would know immediately.

The Maysville Police Department has teamed up with the 911 Cell Phone Bank to provide emergency phones for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. These devices offer a lifeline—a way to call for help without fear of being tracked. Officer Curtis Neal says it best: “A simple phone can be a bridge from fear to freedom.”

PeaceWorks, a dedicated advocacy program committed to supporting survivors of domestic violence, is celebrating a true success story made possible through its partnership with the 911 Cell Phone Bank.

Kentucky Venues is teaming up with 911 Cell Phone Bank to help survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. Ian Cox, Executive Director of Communications for Kentucky Venues, emphasized the significance of this partnership: “For years, we struggled with how to properly recycle unclaimed electronics. This partnership not only provides a sustainable solution but also supports a cause that directly benefits vulnerable individuals.”

Organizing a charity walk is a meaningful way to support victims of domestic violence while bringing the community together. Proper planning helps ensure the event runs smoothly and reaches as many people as possible. With the right approach, you can raise awareness, encourage participation, and generate valuable support for the cause.

For survivors of domestic violence, leaving an abusive situation often means walking away from everything—including access to help. This month, we’re sharing Jasmine and Olivia’s powerful stories of survival and how a simple phone gave them the lifeline they needed to rebuild. Read their inspiring journeys and see how your old phone could help someone take their first steps to safety.

“A simple phone can be a lifeline—a bridge from fear to freedom. By partnering with the 911 Cell Phone Bank, we’re ensuring that victims of domestic violence and human trafficking have the tools they need to take control of their safety and connect with critical resources when they need them most.”

The 911 Cell Phone Bank stands united with advocates worldwide to bring awareness to modern-day slavery and human trafficking. It is crucial to recognize that millions of individuals around the world remain deprived of the freedom to experience love in its truest form, often due to the horrors of slavery they endure.

At the 911 Cell Phone Bank, we know that something as simple as a phone can be a lifeline. Every device donated through our program has the potential to make a life-changing difference for someone in need. Recently, we received a powerful testimonial that highlights just how impactful our mission truly is.

February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the alarming reality that 1 in 3 teens experience some form of dating abuse. At 911 Cell Phone Bank, we believe that access to safe communication can be life-changing for victims. By donating unclaimed or unused phones, businesses and organizations can help provide a vital connection to safety and support. Join us in making a difference this month—because every device donated could be a lifeline.

Recent reports of five human trafficking arrests in Antioch have shed light on the urgency of addressing these crimes in our communities. The Metro Office of Family Safety Nashville and the 911 Cell Phone Bank are working collaboratively to connect victims with resources, raise awareness, and create a safer environment for all.

Since 2016, Metro Minneapolis has donated over 13,500 unclaimed devices from its transit system’s lost-and-found to 911 Cell Phone Bank to support victims of abuse and human trafficking. As a Transportation Authority, Metro Minneapolis plays a crucial role in detecting and reporting potential cases of abuse, reinforcing its commitment to community safety and resilience.

As New Orleans gears up for Super Bowl LIX, officials and advocacy groups are taking steps to combat the heightened risks of exploitation that come with major events. The 911 Cell Phone Bank, alongside partners like Louis Armstrong International Airport and the New Orleans Police Department, is ensuring that victims of human trafficking have access to life-saving communication tools. Learn how the city is stepping up efforts to protect the vulnerable.

If you are like me, you likely have heard the term “human trafficking,” but never knew the true definition of the term. Before being awakened to the big picture, I conceptualized human trafficking based on what I had seen in movies and TV shows.

Explore meaningful ways to give back during National Giving Month and make an impact in your community and beyond.