Cell phones collected by students for charity

Much like the popular TV show, "The Apprentice," a marketing class at the University at Buffalo is challenging students to complete a fundraising project that ends Monday, Feb. 19. The objective is to collect old cell phones to raise money for the Buffalo Zoo.

"We are asking friends, parents, schools, community organizations - basically anyone - to donate their unused, obsolete or even broken cellular phones to us," team manager Dan Silver said.

The phones are given to the Buffalo Zoo, which turns then in to an organization called Eco-Cell. The zoo receives money for each phone donated.

Eco-Cell recycles the phones, giving the usable ones to hospitals, police organizations and shelters for battered women.

"It feels good to know that we can help the zoo and the animals while learning important marketing skills in the process," Silver said.

Silver and his team are asking those willing to donate to call 435-3527, and arrangements will be back for the phone to be picked up. Phones can also be dropped off at the UB Amherst campus.