Griffo and Central New York Veterans Outreach Center announce results for Cell Phones for Soldiers Collection Drive

Over 400 gently used cell-phone devices have been collected and donated to this year’s Cell Phones for Soldiers Drive, according to the office of New York State Senator Joe Griffo.

For every donated phone valued at $5, Cell Phones for Soldiers is able to provide 2 ½ hours of free talk time to deployed troops via calling cards.

All proceeds from the recycled devices will be used to buy long distance calling cards for troops at home and abroad.

As a result of this continued community support, approximately 60,000 minutes of free calls will be provided to men and women serving in the military and veterans in need, Griffo says.

“Once again, our caring and compassionate community has stepped up in a big way to make the holidays brighter for our troops,” the Senator emphasized.

“I would like to thank the Central New York Veterans Outreach Center for once again partnering with me for this year’s collection drive and all the local businesses, libraries and organizations that graciously provided space for residents to drop off their devices. This effort shows how much residents in the 53rd Senate District value the service of and the sacrifices made by the men and women in our nation’s military and their families.”

This year’s collection drive ran from Nov. 9 to Dec 9 and spanned Griffo’s district. The public was able to drop off any used mobile devices at 16 collection bins throughout the district.

This is the eighth year that the drive has taken place.

Residents throughout Griffo’s district have donated approximately 6,800 devices and have provided troops with approximately 650,000 minutes of free calls.

Image via Senator Joe Griffo.