Recycled cell phones could stack funds for rock climbing wall

photo Daisy Elementary School fourth-grader Mackenzie Reeves, left, and principal Kirk Shrum encourage students and parents to bring in old cell phones to recycle. Funds raised will go toward building a rock climbing wall in the school cafeteria to enhance physical education classes. Photo by Katie Ward

Community members can make a difference in the lives of Daisy Elementary School students by donating old cell phones and toner or ink cartridges to the school to be recycled.

"[Cell phone collection volunteer] Greg Smith raised money at Allen Elementary School by recycling cell phones," said school principal Kirk Shrum. "His niece Mackenzie Reeves transferred here, so he wanted to help us raise funds."

Smith, of Soddy-Daisy, said funds raised will assist in the construction of a $5,000 rock climbing wall in the school cafeteria. In order to raise that amount, the school needs to collect 2,500 cell phones before June 1.

"The reason I do this is because I enjoy helping schools, especially elementary schools," said Smith. "That is where the educational foundation begins."

He said his former Allen Elementary cell phone recycling project resulted in a new library book collection and new computers throughout the school. He said it's a win-win project because it helps the environment and students.

"The [Daisy Elementary] principal told me of some of the needs or wants," Smith said, "one of which was a climbing wall that the physical education teacher [Diane Stacy], whom is very active and involved with Daisy Elementary students, wanted in order to expand her programs."

Smith said additional money raised beyond the rock climbing wall could assist in expanding the school's library book collection.

He said Green School Project, of California, usually buys the cell phones and pays for shipping. He said he personally sorts, packs and ships the recycled items to send to the company.

"Until June 1, Green School Project will pay $2 per cell phone regardless of its age or condition," said Smith. "This is an excellent opportunity especially for older phones."

He said the ideal situation would be for companies to join with Daisy Elementary School to collect old cell phones.

"Members of the community are welcome to bring their cell phones to the school office," said Smith. "We will take any cell phone in any condition. Chargers and batteries are not needed."

Shrum said Daisy Elementary School staff appreciates community members like Smith helping their school.

• Daisy Elementary School, at 620 Sequoyah Access Road in Soddy-Daisy, can be reached at 332-8815 for more information.

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