St. Francis Hospital has teamed up with the local chapter of Cell Phones for Soldiers, a national organization sponsored by the Military Officers Association of America, to collect old cell phones through Friday, September 30.
Donated phones are shipped to a central location where the metal is removed and sold with the funds being used to purchase 60-minute calling cards for deployed soldiers overseas.
Many soldiers are unable to call home due to the high cost, as much as $180 for an hour, or because their phones are deactivated. Web-based programs, such as SKYPE, are often blocked on overseas military bases, making it difficult to stay in touch with loved ones, family and friends.
Donations accepted through Friday, September 30 @ the following locations:
- Front Entrance of St. Francis Hospital, 2122 Manchester Expressway, Columbus
- St. Francis Hospital Medical Office Building Lobby, Manchester Expressway, Columbus
If only two percent of Americans donated one phone, every deployed soldier could receive a free 60-minute calling card. Only 10% of an estimated 16,667 cell phones discarded every 16 months are recycled. Most end up in junk drawers.
Know an overseas soldier who would like to call home? Click here to request a card for a them.
