WEST CHESTER, Pa. — When Krapf Bus Companies recently updated its cellular network as the result of a carrier change, the school bus contractor searched for an organization that would put the old phones to good use.

Krapf decided on the 911 Cell Phone Bank, which provides law enforcement with free emergency cell phones for seniors and victims of abuse.

The contractor learned that Boscov’s, with 40 department stores in five states, was a partner with the 911 Cell Phone Bank and would accept the 200-plus phones from Krapf and forward them to the phone bank.

“We are very pleased that we were able to donate these phones to an organization that will recycle and repurpose the phones, helping victims’ services organizations and law enforcement nationwide,” Krapf officials said in a statement. “We are also most appreciative of the assistance and cooperation of the Boscov’s organization in assisting us in getting the phones to the 911 Cell Phone Bank.”

James Mosieur, the 911 Cell Phone Bank program director, said that law enforcement, victim advocate agencies and general businesses around the country are signing up to participate in the program.

"We find that people are more than willing to help by simply donating a used cell phone that they aren't using anyway," Mosieur said.