University News
WIU Army ROTC Participates in Cell Phones for Soldiers Collection Drive
October 25, 2007
MACOMB, IL - - Cell Phones for Soldiers and Western Illinois University's military science department are calling on Americans to support the more than 150,000 troops who are serving overseas, away from their families, by donating unused cell phones.
Area residents can support the collection drive by donating their phones at Western Illinois University's Army ROTC Office, 103 Horrabin Hall, Macomb, IL 61455-1390, telephone 309/298-1161.
"We're proud to show our support for U.S. soldiers and to contribute to a worthy cause like Cell Phones for Soldiers," said WIU College of Education and Human Services Associate Dean Dr. B Nick DiGrino.
"For the loved ones of soldiers serving abroad, Memorial Day is much more than a long holiday weekend," said Brittany Bergquist, Cell Phones for Soldiers co-founder. "We're asking Americans to make a small sacrifice of support by donating their unused cell phones, providing families with a much-needed connection to their loved ones overseas."
Cell Phones for Soldiers was founded by teenagers Robbie and Brittany Bergquist from Norwell, MA, with $21 of their own money. Since then, the registered 501c3 non-profit organization has raised almost $1 million in donations and distributed more than 500,000 prepaid calling cards to soldiers serving overseas.
"We have been overwhelmed by the generous support of thousands of Americans who have helped our troops speak with their loved ones," said the teens' father, Bob Bergquist. "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."
Through increased fundraising efforts, the Bergquist family hopes to raise more than
$9 million in the next five years to fund new programs, such as providing video phones and prepaid service to allow soldiers abroad to see their families on a regular basis.
The phones are sent to ReCellular, which pays Cell Phones for Soldiers for each donated phone – enough to provide an hour of talk time to soldiers abroad.
Approximately half of the phones ReCellular processes are reconditioned and resold to wholesale companies in more than 40 countries around the world. Phones and components that cannot be refurbished are dismantled and recycled to reclaim materials, including:
- Gold, silver and platinum from circuit boards
- Copper wiring from phone chargers
- Nickel, iron, cadmium and lead from battery packs
- Plastic from phone cases and accessories
For more information about Cell Phones for Soldiers, visit www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com.
For more information about donating locally, contact Lori Menke, WIU military science department, telephone 309/298-1161, e-mail LL-Menke@wiu.edu.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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