Donate cell phones to soldiers

Published 1:29 am Saturday, October 31, 2015

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For the third year in a row, Outlaw Realty is collecting used cell phone for the nation’s military and veterans.

The drive will be held in November and December.

The real estate firm partnered with Cell Phones for Soldiers to collect newer or gently used cell phones last year, and has been able to donate more than 200 cell phones from residents in this area.

Residents can drop off their phones at Outlaw Realty, located at 1803 E. Three Notch St., Andalusia, AL, Owner MaryAlyce Outlaw said Friday.

“Cell Phones for Soldiers was founded in 2004 by teenagers Robbie and Brittany Bergquist at the ages of 12 and 13,” Outlaw said. “The charity ahs since provided more than 210 million ‘Minutes that Matter’ to deployed troops.”

Funds raised from the recycling of cellular phones are used to purchase prepaid international calling cards.

“On average, Cell Phones for Soldiers distributes 3,200 calling cards each week to bases around the world, care package programs, deployment ceremonies and VA hospitals,” she said.

Donated cell phones are sent to Mindful eCycling for recycling. For every donated phone valued at $5, Cell Phones for Soldiers

“Each year we have been humbled by the amount of people and organizations like Outlaw Realty that take the initiative to support our troops,” said co-founder Brittany Bergquist. “The communication gap between those serving and their families is a crucial need that Cell Phones For Soldiers is committed to addressing for years to come.”

For more info, call 582-1300.