The community services department of Douglas County Senior Services is recycling old cell phones.

Proceeds from recycling efforts will benefit the emergency fund, which is used to help seniors in times of need. Requests for assistance have doubled this year, according to senior services officials.

The old phones can be dropped off in Lawrence at the senior center, 745 Vt., and the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department, 200 Maine, Suite B; as well as at Baldwin City Library, 800 Seventh St.; Eudora City Hall, 4 E. Seventh St.; Eudora Public Library, 14 E. Ninth St.; and Lecompton City Hall, 327 Elmore St.

Some phones will be used for the “911 Cell Phones for Seniors” program, which gives phones to seniors to be used in emergency situations. The phones are only able to reach 911 operators.

Phones must have a battery, but chargers are not required to be donated.

For more information about the “911 Cell Phones for Seniors” program, call Ashley Brinkman, 842-0543.