Press release from
Cell Phones for Soldiers and D. O. McComb and Sons Funeral Homes kick off cell phone collection drive in Fort Wayne, Indiana
(NORWELL, Mass., December 9, 2010) – With more than 150,000 troops serving overseas and away from their families, Cell Phones for Soldiers, and D.O. McComb and Sons Funeral Homes are calling on people of northeast Indiana to support for these brave men and women by donating their unused cell phones. Cell Phones for Soldiers and McComb and Sons hope to collect more than 1 million cell phones this year to help keep troops connected with their families.
“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,” says Brittany Bergquist, Cell Phones for Soldiers co-founder. “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.”
“We’re proud to show our support for U.S. soldiers,” adds Dave McComb, co-owner of McComb and Sons. “To be able to contribute to a worthy cause like Cell Phones for Soliders is something we’re proud of.”
Northeast Indiana residents can support the collection drive by donating their phones at any D.O. McComb and Sons location, including:
- 1140 Lake Avenue (260) 426-9494
- 8325 Covington Road (260) 434-0248
- 6301 Fairfield Avenue (260) 426-5100
- 4017 Maplecrest Road (260) 426-4904
- 2114 South Calhoun Street (260) 744-2114
- 1320 East Dupont Road (260) 489-3551
- Pinnington-McComb Funeral and Cremation Services 502 North Main Street, Auburn, IN (260) 925-3918
Cell Phones for Soldiers was founded by teenagers Robbie and Brittany Bergquist from Norwell, Mass., with just $21 of their own money. Since then, the registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization has raised millions of dollars in donations and distributed millions of prepaid calling cards to soldiers serving overseas.
“We are continuously overwhelmed by the enthusiastic support of thousands of Americans who have helped our troops speak with their loved ones,” says the teens’ father, Bob Bergquist. “However, the need for support keeps growing as more troops are sent to the Middle East or are asked to serve extended tours of duty.”
Through increased fundraising efforts, the Bergquist family hopes to raise more than $10 million in the next five years to fund new programs, such as providing video phones and prepaid service to allow troops abroad to see their families on a regular basis.
The donated phones are sent to ReCellular, which pays Cell Phones for Soldiers for each phone – the money is used to purchase prepaid calling cards
which are sent to troops.About D.O. McComb and Sons
D.O. McComb and Sons is a fourth-generation, locally and family-owned funeral company, with seven locations in Fort Wayne and Auburn. To learn more, visit www.mccombandsons.com.
Cell Phones for Soldiers official website