Unwanted cellphones will become lifelines for homeless and abused individuals thanks to the efforts of WSU social work students.

The CyberMentors, a School of Social Work student organization that applies technology to community service, is hosting a cellphone drive.

Phones can be dropped off at the School of Social Work Office of Admissions and Student Services in Thompson Home, located at 4756 Cass, during operating hours or taken to room 289 in the Student Center Building from 3 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 7, when the CyberMentors announce the local organizations that will distribute the devices.

Janet Joiner, assistant dean for student affairs and founder of the CyberMentoring program, said free services exist that allow homeless individuals and survivors of domestic abuse to make calls on donated cellphones.

"The phones serve as a lifeline. They allow these individuals to make and receive phone calls related to employment, social welfare services, and public safety," Joiner said.

The CyberMentoring program provides mentoring to high school students designed to address the issue of cyberbullying among youth, while encouraging responsible use of technology.

CyberMentors apply their social work knowledge and values to the relationship and use technology to communicate with mentees during a year-long collaboration. CyberMentors also engage in campus-based activities to educate college students about online civility and cyber responsibility.

Visit the CyberMentors website to learn more about the program.