Try This July 2008

Recycle; help soldiers phone home

As we celebrate Independence Day stateside, thousands of American soldiers are stationed abroad. You can help our troops call home at the same time you do a good deed for the environment through Cell Phones for Soldiers.

This free and convenient recycling program keeps cell phones and other gadgets out of landfills and puts calling cards in the hands of U.S. troops. If you like, you can donate to a specific soldier.

Whatever the brand, age or condition of your phone, pager or Blackberry, it can help make a connection through this organization that sells items to a recycling center, then uses the money collected to buy and send the calling cards to soldiers in need. Visit the  website www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com for specific drop-off locations in your area.

Or download a free shipping label from the website — but if you pay your own postage, more money can go toward the soldiers’ calling cards. The website also includes a data eraser to remove all your personal information so you can contribute your phone worry-free.

If you prefer, you can make a donation by credit card, or send a check, money order or prepaid calling card directly to Cell Phones for Soldiers, South Shore Savings Bank, 400 Washington St., Norwell, MA 02061; or call 800-426-1031 for more information.