Senator Flanagan Joins With Cell Phones For Soldiers To Help Our Troops Connect With Home During The Holidays

Senator John Flanagan (2^nd Senate District) is hoping to help bring the joy of the holidays to our troops by joining efforts with Cell Phones For Soldiers.  Senator Flanagan’s office will serve as a drop-off location for the organization to help ensure that the troops serving our nation have the opportunity to speak to their loved ones this holiday season and throughout the upcoming year.

The office will collect unwanted cell phones at their district office, which is located at 260 Middle Country Road in Smithtown, during regular business hours.  All donated phones will be forwarded to Cell Phones For Soldiers so that the organization can help bring part of the homeland to those working to ensure our safety and freedom.

To protect the privacy of donors, Cell Phones For Soldiers is instructing that all SIM cards be removed before donation.  They also suggest that anyone donating undertake a “factory reset” of their phone to remove all personal information prior to dropping off any equipment.

Proceeds from all donated phones will be used to send prepaid international calling cards to our troops that will enable them to make free calls on phones that are approved by the United States military.  According to Cell Phones For Soldiers, each contribution worth $5 provides 2.5 hours of talk time for America’s bravest men and women.

So far, donations to the organizations have provided more than 300 million minutes of free talk time by sending more than 5 million calling cards to service members and recycling more than 15 million cell phones.

“As we all enjoy the holidays, it is important that we remember those who serve and protect our nation while being separated from their families.  My office is proud to join the efforts of Cell Phones For Soldiers in this worthwhile effort and hope that everyone will consider donating their unused phones.  We are grateful for any donations and hope everyone has a very happy holiday,” stated Senator Flanagan.

Any resident who would like more information about Cell Phones For Soldiers should visit their website at cellphonesforsoldiers.com.