AHWATUKEE, AZ – A nationwide organization kicked off its yearly donation drive on Tuesday with a little local help.
Cell Phones for Soldiers is beginning its collection of old or unused cell phones and local clinic
Great Choice Chiropractic in Ahwatukee is participating as a drop-off site.
The Cell Phones for Soldiers organization conducts the cell phone drive in order to sell the phones for scrap and purchase calling cards for overseas troops.
According to a news release, the organization was founded by two teens, Brittany and Robbie Bergquist, after they read an article about an overseas soldier who had built up a huge bill phoning home while in Iraq.
During the time Cell Phones for Soldiers has been active, the Bergquists have been able to raise about $1 million in cash donations and have sent over 500,000 prepaid calling cards to troops stationed overseas.
"Over the past few years, we have been amazed by the generosity of others. But, we have also seen the need to support our troops continue," said Brittany in the release. "It is easy for Americans to make a small sacrifice of support by donating their unused cell phones, and providing families with a much-needed connection to their loved ones overseas."
The organization has already had over 50,000 phones donated this year.
Brittany went on to say that they hope to raise about $9 million in upcoming years to invest into obtaining video phones and services for soldiers to use on a daily basis to communicate with their families.
Doctor Greg Hauser, of Great Choice Chiropractic, is a U.S. veteran and happy to have the clinic as a drop-off site.
"We're proud to show our support for U.S. soldiers, and to contribute to a worthy cause like Cell Phones for Soliders," Hauser said.
Monetary or phone donations can be made at Great Choice Chiropractic located at 15810 South 45th Street Suite #160, just south of Chandler Blvd on 45th street in the Ahwatukee Medical Center.
