“With our public streets having been stripped of pay phones, what does a senior do if they are on an outing and are short of breath, or if they feel threatened? How do they call for help? These cell phones provide a lifeline for seniors,” said Assemblyman Dov Hikind.
After a 10-month project, phones collected from the public, donated by T-Mobile and Hi-Tech 2000, were distributed to seniors by Hikind, State Senator Kevin Parker, Councilman Simcha Felder, and community activist Joe Lazar.
“Seniors are vulnerable targets for criminals. They may be preyed upon in their own homes and fear calling for help on a house phone. These phones can be lifesavers. I want to thank T-Mobile and Piny Ringel of Hi-Tech 2000 for generously participating in this project.”
Registration for the phones was initiated three weeks ago, and the response was overwhelming. Seniors from around the city called to register to be eligible for the phones. Some children of seniors and/or their caretakers called because of their concern for an older parent or patient.
“This is a generation that has contributed so much to the greater good, for us, for our community, for our city. It’s wonderful to be able to give something back to them which contributes to their safety.”
The phones were distributed at the Senior Sunday Cell Phone Event. “In an emergency, when seconds count, they can make a vital difference,” Hikind added.
