Seward Sponsors Cell Phones For Soldiers Collection

Senator James L. Seward is inviting area residents to join him in support of the Cell Phones for Soldiers Project by dropping off unwanted cell phones at his district offices in Oneonta and Herkimer.

The used phones will be sent to ReCellular, which pays the not-for-profit organization Cell Phones for Soldiers for donated phones collected and eventually recycled. Each donated phone provides the equivalent of approximately one hour of talk time for soldiers serving abroad.

"This program is a simple way to show our support for our troops abroad who are admirably serving our country," Seward said. "Not only are we helping our military men and women, but we are also helping the environment by ensuring that cell phones are properly recycled and kept out of our landfills."

The Cell Phones for Soldiers project began in April 2004 by then 13-year-old Brittany Bergquist and her brother, Robbie, of Norwell, Massachusetts. Their not-for-profit organization has raised almost $1 million in donations and distributed more than 400,000 prepaid calling cards to soldiers serving overseas.

Anyone interested in donating an old cell phone can download a tax deductible receipt from www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com. Phones can be dropped off at Senator Seward’s district office in Oneonta located at 41 South Main Street and in Herkimer located at 235 North Prospect Street.