High demand has depleted Budget Mobile's supply of cellphones the company has been giving away to low-income Yorkers through a federal program since July.

But, the giveaway is expected to resume Wednesday, said company spokesman Michael Manley.

"We have not abandoned York," he said.

Budget Mobile set up a table July 27 at the C-Town shopping plaza on North Duke Street in York City to distribute free cellphones to those who qualify through the federal Lifeline program, which began in 1985 as a way to extend phone service to low-income Americans. The company has also been handing out phones in Harrisburg.

As word of the giveaway spread, demand skyrocketed, Manley said.

"We had no idea it was going to be as successful in York and Harrisburg as it was," Manley said.

So far, at least 2,000 phones have been distributed in York, he said.

The phones, all of which are refurbished, come with 250 free minutes per month.

To qualify for a phone, a person must already be receiving assistance through government programs - such as food stamps or Medicaid - or have a household income at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty level.

For a single person, annual income may not exceed $15,080. For a family of four, the income limit is $31,118.

Manley said he expects the giveaway to resume in York on Wednesday at 10 a.m. He said anyone with questions is welcome to call him at (301) 356-3515.