In April 2004, Brittany and Robbie Bergquist learned of a young soldier serving in the Middle East who had run up a large cell phone bill calling home. Brittany and Robbie Bergquist decided to help. With money from their piggy banks and snack money donated from their friends at school, Brittany and Robbie opened a bank account toward helping American soldiers call home. Their compassion and initiative so impressed the bank personnel that they, too, donated money to the cause! To raise additional funds, Brittany and Robbie soon arranged for car washes and yard sales.

Brittany and Robbie came up with a novel concept: they would send cell phones with prepaid minutes on them to the troops so that soldiers could call home for free. This would not work for security reasons, the military informed the two. But that did not deter Brittany and Robbie. When fellow citizens began sending hundreds of cell phones to their home, Brittany and Robbie did some research and found recyclers who could turn those phones into cash. Brittany and Robbie then decided upon a project that would forward the redeemed funds to the troops for use in calling loved ones back home. Brittany and Robbie named their project, Cell Phones for Soldiers. This non-profit organization has since established over 5,000 drop-off sites across the United States. Through the recycling of used cell phones, ink-jet cartridges, PDAs, and Ipods, Brittany and Robbie have now raised close to 1,000,000 dollars!

Overseeing the purchase and mailing of 100,000 prepaid phone cards to American troops serving throughout the world, Brittany and Robbie also include hand-addressed, heartfelt message of “thanks” for keeping America safe. Ultimately, the two plan to purchase satellite phones with free service for those military personnel who cannot reach a landline. In the meantime, the Bergquists intend to continue providing free prepaid phone cards and phone service as long as U.S. troops deploy anywhere in the world.

Fifteen-year-old Brittany and fourteen-year-old Robbie Bergquist have inspired thousands of people across our country to show their support for our troops. Their recycling cell phones and sundry items not only benefits our military, but also helps prevent the toxic metals found in these items from polluting the environment. Marines, sailors, airmen/airwomen, soldiers, and families to whom the Bergquists have sent phone cards have all said that hearing voices of loved ones provides the greatest morale booster in the world! Cell Phones for Soldiers and the efforts of thoughtful Americans help our brave military men and women keep in touch with the home and loved ones they so bravely defend.

To learn more about Brittany, Robbie, and their cause, and how you can make a difference, please visit:
www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com

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