UPDATE: New York State Senator Joseph Griffo has just announced the launch of this year’s Cell Phones for Soldiers collection drive, kicking off on November 10, 2023. This initiative, coinciding with Military Family Appreciation Month and Veterans Day, aims to support active military members and veterans by providing them with vital communication services.
The collection drive will run until December 10, 2023, allowing the public to donate gently-used cell phones and tablets at several locations across Utica, NY. This year, Griffo joined forces with key figures including Vincent Scalise, executive director of the Central New York Veterans Outreach Center, and Scott Zoeckler, director of Housing for the center, to emphasize the urgency of this cause.
For every device valued at just $5, Cell Phones for Soldiers can provide 2.5 hours of free calling time to deployed troops through calling cards. This critical support allows service members to connect with their families during the holidays, a time when many are stationed far from home.
“The holidays can be a challenge for members of our military because they are often so far away from their families,” Griffo stated at the launch event. “The simple sound of a loved one’s voice can go a long way to lift their spirits.”
Over the past decade, this collection drive has facilitated the donation of approximately 7,400 devices, equating to around 740,000 minutes of free calls for troops. The initiative not only enhances communication for those serving abroad but also helps local veterans in need by providing them with mobile devices equipped with unlimited talk and text capabilities.
Cell Phones for Soldiers, founded in 2004 by teenagers Robbie and Brittany Bergquist, has delivered over 300 million minutes of free talk time to military personnel worldwide through their program, Minutes That Matter. The charity recycles mobile devices to fund long-distance calling cards, distributing an average of 1,500 cards weekly to military bases, care packages, and VA hospitals.
The environmental impact of this initiative is also significant. By recycling over 25 million mobile devices, Cell Phones for Soldiers reduces electronic waste, which can severely harm ecosystems. The organization collaborates with a recycling partner to ensure that devices are dismantled safely, minimizing environmental risks and supporting sustainable practices.
To donate, residents can drop off devices at numerous locations, including:
– Oneida Public Library, 459 Main St., Oneida
– Sullivan Free Library, 101 Falls Blvd., Chittenango
– Madison County Distillery, 2412 Rte. 20, Cazenovia
– Jervis Public Library, 613 N. Washington St., Rome
– Central New York Veterans Outreach Center, 726 Washington St., Utica
– Chanatry’s Hometown Market, 485 French Road, Utica
– Utica State Office Building, 207 Genesee St., Utica
– New Hartford Public Library, 2 Library Lane, New Hartford
– West Winfield Library, 179 South St., West Winfield
– Sherburne Public Library, 2 E. State St., Sherburne
As the drive progresses, officials encourage community participation to help bridge the communication gap for military families. The emotional connection provided by these calls is invaluable, particularly during the holiday season.
For more information on how to prepare your device for donation and to learn about the initiative, visit www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com. Every donation not only helps service members stay connected but also contributes to a greener planet, making it a win-win for all involved.
