LANSING – State Representative Mike Simpson (D-Liberty Township) is joining the effort to help U.S. troops abroad make contact with their families back home, urging citizens to donate their used cell phones at area locations.
"We must do everything we can to honor the service and sacrifices that the men and women in the armed forces make every day," Simpson said. "These phone cards will help bridge the miles and bring our soldiers a little closer to their loved ones. I urge everyone in our community to stand with military families across the globe and support this outstanding program."
As part of a joint project between AT&T and the nonprofit Cell Phones for Soldiers, donated phones will be sold to Dexter-based ReCellular, with proceeds used to buy prepaid phone cards. The cards are then shipped to U.S. troops serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and other nations. On average, each donated cell phone buys an hour of talk time for soldiers, according to Cell Phones for Soldiers. Each phone card provides 20 free minutes of talk time between Iraq and the United States.
Local citizens can drop their used cell phones at the AT&T store at Agape Booksellers, 1180 Jackson Crossing, Jackson, (517) 782-9491.