More than 150,000 troops are serving overseas and are away from their families. Cell Phones for Soldiers, and Houston-based 2020 Exhibits are calling on all Americans to support for these brave men and women by donating your unused cell phones. Cell Phones for Soldiers hopes to collect over 1 Million cell phones this year to help keep troops connected with their families.
“Over the past few years, we have been amazed by the generosity of others. But, we have also seen the need to support our troops continue.” says Brittany Bergquist, Cell Phones for Soldiers co-founder. “It is easy for Americans to make a small sacrifice of support by donating their unused cell phones, and providing families with a much-needed connection to their loved ones overseas.”
Local residents can support the collection drive by donating their phones at 2020 Exhibits corporate office, through November 25, 10550 S. Sam Houston Pkwy West, Houston, Texas 77071.
“We’re proud to show our support for U.S. soldiers, and to contribute to a worthy cause like Cell Phones for Soliders,” says Bob Babine, president of 2020 Exhibits.
Cell Phones for Soldiers was founded by teenagers Robbie and Brittany Bergquist from Norwell, Mass., with $21 of their own money. Since then, the registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization has raised millions of dollars in donations and distributed millions of prepaid calling cards to soldiers serving overseas.
“We are continuously overwhelmed by the enthusiastic support of thousands of Americans who have helped our troops speak with their loved ones,” says the teens’ father, Bob Bergquist. “However, the need for support keeps growing as more troops are sent to the Middle East or are asked to serve extended tours of duty.”
Through increased fund raising efforts, the Bergquist family hopes to raise more than $10 million in the next five years to fund new programs, such as providing video phones and prepaid service to allow troops abroad to see their families on a regular basis.
The donated phones are sent to ReCellular, which pays Cell Phones for Soldiers for each phone – the money is used to purchase prepaid calling cards which are sent to troops.
