Rolling Meadows High School made a significant impact on the lives of domestic violence survivors last week through a simple yet powerful act: donating cell phones. By the end of the phone drive, 18 devices had been collected, ready to serve as lifelines for those in crisis.

For domestic violence survivors fleeing dangerous situations, access to a cell phone can be critical. Thanks to the Rolling Meadows Police Department (RMPD), these donated phones are securely erased and provided free of charge to survivors through the police department’s social workers. This process ensures both safety and privacy for the recipients.

The idea for the drive was sparked last August during Institute Day at RMHS, when a staff member learned about the needs of a nearby resource center at East Park Apartments. After following up, Educators Rising, a group focused on service and education, discovered they could support the center’s work by organizing a phone collection drive. They strategically planned the event for early January, knowing many people would likely have unused phones after the holiday season, since many people buy new phones during this time.

The phone drive ran during the first week after winter break and concluded on January 17. To ensure the security of the donated devices, a single drop-off location was set up in the school library, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access to the phones or their data.

Linda Thorson, the Educators Rising sponsor, reflected on the impact of the initiative: “It feels great to help those in need, and if we can do it with something as simple as this—keeping cell phones out of landfills—it’s a win-win situation.” She emphasized the gratitude expressed by RMPD social workers, noting how transformative these phones can be for survivors navigating incredibly difficult circumstances.

By combining environmental awareness with a commitment to social justice, Educators Rising not only kept phones out of landfills but also gave survivors a vital tool to rebuild their lives—proof that small acts of kindness can create powerful ripple effects.