December 2, 2009 :: Business

LINCOLN PARK BUSINESSES PARTNER WITH SHERIFF TO SAVE SENIORS

Several Lincoln Park businesses are partnering with Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart and T-Mobile to provide cell phones to senior citizens throughout Cook County. The “Cell Phones for Seniors Program,” sponsored by the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, provides senior citizens with refurbished cell phones that they can use to dial 911 in the case of an emergency. T-Mobile and Sheriff Dart reached out to many businesses county-wide to collect cell phones and several local businesses answered the call.

Walgreens on North Broadway, Whole Foods located on Kingsbury, Beans & Bagels on West Leland Avenue, and Starbucks on North Clark Street are joining T-Mobile in their mission to provide a lifeline for senior citizens in emergency situations. These companies have each placed drop boxes (see attached photo) in their businesses where community residents can stop in to drop off their used cell phones in an effort to help our seniors, the environment and our community.

“I believe every senior citizen in Cook County should carry a cellular phone,” Sheriff Dart said. “When seniors are driving, taking public transportation or enjoying outdoor activities, having a cell phone provides an extra measure of security and could truly be a lifesaver when used to call for police, fire or paramedics in an emergency.”

Raj Tank, Senior Vice-President of Engineering at T-Mobile said, “Senior citizens serve as the eyes and ears of our communities, T-Mobile is proud to partner with the Sheriff’s Office in providing a lifeline to senior citizens in Cook County.”

For information on how to receive an emergency 911 cell phone through the “Cell Phones for Seniors Program,” please contact the Cook County Sheriff’s Office at 773-869-7878.