UPDATE: New York State Senator Joseph Griffo just launched the annual Cell Phones for Soldiers collection drive, kicking off on November 10, 2023 and running until December 10, 2023. This initiative aims to support deployed military members by providing them with vital communication services during the holiday season.
The collection drive, taking place in Utica, New York, is a collaboration with the Central New York Veterans Outreach Center. Griffo, along with key figures including Vincent Scalise, executive director of the Outreach Center, and U.S. Army National Guard Staff Sergeant Jake Livingston, emphasized the importance of keeping military families connected during the holidays.
Members of the public can donate gently-used mobile devices at several drop-off locations throughout Griffo’s district. Key locations include:
– 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
For every donated device valued at $5, Cell Phones for Soldiers can provide 2.5 hours of free talk time through calling cards, which are crucial for service members to connect with loved ones. Last year alone, the initiative successfully collected approximately 7,400 devices and provided 740,000 minutes of free calls.
“The holidays can be a challenge for members of our military because they are often so far away from their families,” Griffo stated. “The simple sound of a loved one’s voice can go a long way to lift their spirits.”
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the collection drive, which has grown significantly since its inception. Over the years, the initiative has recycled more than 25 million mobile devices, providing over 300 million minutes of free talk time to troops stationed worldwide.
“Many families face difficulties, especially with loved ones serving far from home,” Scalise added. “We thank Sen. Griffo for leading this essential collection drive, showcasing his unwavering support for military members and their families.”
Cell Phones for Soldiers was founded in 2004 by teenagers Robbie and Brittany Bergquist, who aimed to help service members stay connected. The charity has since distributed over 5 million prepaid international calling cards and is known for its program, Minutes That Matter, which allocates an average of 1,500 calling cards each week to military bases, care packages, and VA hospitals.
Donating a mobile device not only helps connect active military personnel with their families but also contributes to environmental sustainability by ensuring proper recycling of electronic waste. This initiative mitigates the harmful impact of electronics like mobile devices on our ecosystem, which is critical, given their non-disposable components.
For more information on how to participate and prepare your mobile device for donation, visit www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com. Griffo urges the community to act swiftly to support our troops during this pressing time, emphasizing the emotional connections that can be maintained through these donations.
Don’t miss the chance to make a difference—donate today and help bridge the gap for our brave service members!
