Donating Cell Phones Will Help Soldiers Call Home During Holidays

Starting with $21 of their own money, Brittany and Robbie Bergquist were just 12 and 13 years old when they created the Cell Phones for Soldiers program in 2004. According to a Dec. 9 press release, the teens' goal is to make it possible for every U.S. soldier to be able to call home during the holidays. Cell Phones for Soldiers, a Norwell, Mass., non-profit organization is looking to collect more than 25,000 cell phones in December 2007 to help troops stay connected with their families this holiday season.

All donated phones received by Cell Phones for Soldiers are sent to ReCellular, a Michigan-based company that collects, re-sells and recycles used wireless phones and accessories. ReCellular pays up to $50 for each donated phone, which is enough to provide 25 hours in prepaid calling cards for use overseas.

The organization's website says that the Bergquist kids were prompted to create their program after reading the story of a U.S. soldier who ran up a large phone bill by calling home from Iraq. Moved by the story, they wanted to be proactive and do something to help. They opened an account with their own $21.00 and then began collecting cash donations and used cell phones.

Both teens have appeared on numerous radio and TV programs, including "Wake Up With Whoopi," Fox News and Barbara Walters' "The View." In the press release Brittany says that "the holiday season is an especially lonesome time for soldiers abroad, and for their families at home. We're asking Americans to make a small sacrifice of support by donating their unused cell phones, to help provide soldiers with a much-needed connection to their loved ones for the holidays."

What can people do to join the Bergquist family and help U.S. soldiers stay connected over the holidays?

Individuals can donate old or used cell phones at local collection sites in their areas. The website provides information as to where the drop-off sites are in each state. It's also possible to download a prepaid shipping label from cellphonesforsoldiers.com and then mail in the phones.

Businesses and other organizations can set up their own collection drive and become a collection site.

Those companies and groups who are already established as collections sites can go to the website and download a Cell Phones for Soldiers sign to better advertise their role in the program.

Since its inception, Cell Phones for Soldiers has raised nearly $1 million in donations and has distributed more than 500,000 prepaid calling cards to U.S. soldiers serving abroad. The family hopes to raise more than $9 million in the next five years to fund even more programs, like providing soldiers with video phones and prepaid service that'd make it possible for a soldier to also "see" his or her family.

Bob Bergquist is the father of Brittany and Robbie. He says the family has been "overwhelmed by the generous support of thousands of Americans who have helped our troops speak with their loved ones. However the need for support keeps growing as more soldiers are sent to the Middle East or are asked to serve extended tours of duty."

Sources:

Press release, "Donate Cell Phones to Help U.S. Troops Call Home for the Holidays;" http://www.prweb.com/releases/2007/12/prweb574852.htm

Cell Phones for Soldiers; http://www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com/