Cell Phones For Soldiers

Collecting At Monroe Location

MONROE — Cell Phones for Soldiers has announced that Nicky B’s Deli has been named an official cell phone collection center. Cell phones may be dropped off at the deli, located at 605 Main Street, during normal business hours.

Cell Phones for Soldiers is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was started by Brittany and Robbie Bergquist of Norwell, Mass., teenagers who wanted to buy prepaid calling cards to send to servicepeople serving over seas.

After reading a story about a soldier who ran up a huge phone bill calling home from Iraq, the two teenagers decided to help out. They started by opening an account with $21 of their own money.

They are collecting cash donations and old cell phones of any make, model, and condition, as well as accessories, chargers, batteries, Blackberry PDAs, and pagers. The used equipment is recycled for cash and the proceeds are used to buy prepaid calling cards for American soldiers serving in the Middle East.

The efforts have motivated people and businesses around the country to donate phones and/or cash. Since its start in April 2004, Cell Phones For Soldiers has raised nearly $1 million and has sent out more than 75,000 prepaid calling cards to service people. Their goal is to provide every US soldier with a way to call home for free.

In addition to calling cards, Cell Phones For Soldiers is now sending video phones to units in the Middle East and to their home bases as well so that families are able to see each other as they talk. The phone and service are provided free to servicepeople and their families.

Visit their website: CellPhonesForSoldiers.com for additional information. Nicky B’s Deli can be reached by calling 459-1234.