Donate Gently Used Cell Phones to Connect Soliders Overseas with Loved Ones

State Senator Patty Ritchie is teaming up with ‘Cell Phones for Soldiers, Inc.’ to connect families with loved ones who are serving our country—deployed in combat areas overseas. ‘Cell Phones for Soldiers, Inc.’ is a nonprofit organization that recycles gently used cell phones and provides free calling cards to soldiers and veterans. Since 2004, the group has provided more than 300,000,000 minutes of free talk time to men and women in uniform.

“The lives of military families are unique. They face a number of challenges that many of our civilian families do not have to think about. Our soldiers serving across the globe and the families they leave behind are making a tremendous sacrifice,” Senator Ritchie, who represents Fort Drum and its surrounding communities, said.

“Something we may see as a simple phone call could be the best gift our soldiers and their families receive this holiday season. I hope you’ll join me in donating an old or extra cell phone to help bring our military families a little closer together.”

Those looking to participate in the program can drop off gently used cell phones in collection boxes Senator Ritchie has set up in the lobbies of her Ogdensburg, Watertown and Oswego offices.  For more information on how you can help or to find a ‘Cell Phones for Soldiers’ box closest to you, please visit the senator’s website at www.ritchie.nysenate.gov or call (315) 782-3418.

In addition to collecting cell phones, Senator Ritchie will also be accepting old or torn American flags in collection boxes. From the collection boxes, Senator Ritchie will work with local veterans groups to make sure flags are disposed of respectfully.

Phones and flags will be accepted at drop off locations through December 1st.

Senator Ritchie also recently announced she is once again collecting personally signed holiday greetings cards to send veterans and active duty troops. For more information on how can participate in ‘Christmas Cards for Our Troops’ visit Senator Ritchie’s website at www.ritchie.nysenate.gov.