Children Given Phone Calling Cards

Give children $2 in cash and they might be tempted to spend it on candy, comic books or video games. Give them that same amount in the form of a telephone calling card and they’ve got a way to phone home in case of emergency.

That was the message communicated this week at the Los Angeles Police Department’s 7-week-old youth center in Reseda, where dozens of children received free cards that will buy them a three-minute phone call.

“We hope they use them,” said Bob Brill, a consultant with Florida-based card manufacturer Finish Line Collectibles. “We want them to use them.”

Standing in the center’s boxing ring, Brill said the cards allow users to make telephone calls without cash by dialing a toll-free number and entering a unique identification number. The cards can be used repeatedly until the maximum time limit is reached.

“We want every kid in America between the age of 8 and 18 to have a $2, three-minute phone card in their hand by the year 2000,” said Brill, adding that he hopes other card-makers and telecommunication companies join the effort as a way of promoting children’s safety.

“Carry it in your wallet, keep it in your purse,” Brill told the children after distributing dozens of the brightly colored cards. “Keep it with you.”

Like trading cards, phone cards have become the latest collectible craze, Brill said, a concept that might increase their appeal to children. Finish Line’s cards are decorated with images of race car drivers and come in denominations up to $1,000.

“I think it’s a great program,” said Bruce Davidson, acting director of Police Activity League Supporters, the organization that operates the youth center with the LAPD.

“I’m all for it and I hope that it goes like crazy.”