As it turns out, providing communication tools to those in need makes an organization that much more noble.
Because of its act of philanthropy in collecting hundreds of mobile phones for victims of domestic violence, the Georgia chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) was recently given a Verizon Wireless HopeLine Law Enforcement Partnership Award.
As a result of the Georgia chapter getting the award, Verizon Wireless will donate $2,500 to the Savannah Area Family Emergency (SAFE) Shelter. The organization provides a number of services, including providing shelter to women and children who are victims of domestic violence. SAFE Shelter also provides education for victims and the public and gives support to legislation with an aim to reduce domestic violence.
The phone collection in Georgia was part of a nationwide effort by NOBLE to collect cell phones, and involved a partnership between members of NOBLE, law enforcement agencies and the public at large. The Georgia chapter was given the award at NOBLE’s yearly conference.
"Our partnership with Verizon Wireless and our nationwide phone collection drive enabled us to help place valuable wireless phones in victims’ hands, phones they can use to contact law enforcement or domestic violence hotlines in emergency situations," Joseph A. McMillan, national president of NOBLE, said.
According to the Georgia Commission on Family Violence, there were 76,078 crisis calls made to the state’s certified domestic violence agencies in 2008. The commission also reported that in 2007 Georgia law enforcement officials responded to 64,464 domestic violence incidents.
The HopeLine program was created in 1995 and accepts used cell phones and accessories, which are refurbished and sold. Proceeds from the HopeLine program are used to give phones and grants to shelters and nonprofit organizations. 
Even so