Answering the Call: Communities Unite to Keep Soldiers in Touch With Home

A National Effort With Local Roots

Across the nation, communities are coming together to ensure that American service members stationed around the world never lose their most meaningful connection — the sound of home. In recognition of Military Family Appreciation Month and Veterans Day, New York State Sen. Joe Griffo has once again partnered with the Central New York Veterans Outreach Center to launch the annual Cell Phones For Soldiers collection drive.

Now in its tenth year, the initiative invites the public to donate gently used or unwanted mobile phones and tablets through December 10, helping transform old technology into free talk time for troops and veterans.

How It Works: Old Devices, New Purpose

The drive operates in partnership with the national nonprofit Cell Phones For Soldiers, an organization founded in 2004 by siblings Robbie and Brittany Bergquist when they were just 12 and 13 years old. What began as a small family project has since grown into a major nationwide effort, distributing more than 5 million prepaid international calling cards, recycling over 25 million devices, and providing more than 400 million minutes of free talk time to deployed service members.

For every phone or tablet valued at just $5, Cell Phones For Soldiers can provide 2.5 hours of free talk time through its Minutes That Matter program. Proceeds from recycled devices fund calling cards and communication services for troops both at home and abroad. Some donated phones are also refurbished and distributed directly to veterans in need, complete with unlimited talk and text.

The program’s dual mission—supporting those who serve while reducing electronic waste—underscores how simple acts of generosity can produce lasting change.

A Tradition of Giving and Gratitude

During the campaign’s kickoff, Senator Griffo reflected on the challenges that military families face, particularly during the holiday season.

“The holidays can be a challenge for members of our military because they are often so far away from their families,” he said. “The simple sound of a loved one’s voice can go a long way to lift their spirits. These brave men and women have stepped up to serve our nation, and I am proud to be teaming up with the Central New York Veterans Outreach Center, Cell Phones For Soldiers, and local organizations to help connect these troops with their families back home.”

Vincent Scalise, founder and executive director of the Veterans Outreach Center, echoed that sentiment: “The holiday season can be a difficult and trying time for many families, especially for those who have a loved one serving in the armed forces and away from home. I thank Sen. Griffo for again spearheading this collection drive and for his continued support of military members and their families.”

Over the past decade, Griffo’s district alone has collected more than 7,400 devices, generating about 740,000 minutes of free talk time for troops—a tangible reminder of the community’s gratitude.

More Than a Collection Drive

Beyond the personal connections it creates, the campaign has an important environmental impact. Recycling phones prevents harmful materials—like mercury, cadmium, and lithium batteries—from entering landfills and damaging ecosystems. The nonprofit’s recycling partners carefully dismantle each device, reselling reusable components and responsibly disposing of the rest. This process reduces demand for new mining and supports a global supply chain that is safer and more sustainable.

Every donated phone represents both environmental stewardship and a lifeline for an American hero.

Connecting Communities and Service Members

For those who want to participate, drop-off locations span the region—from Utica and Rome to Oneida, New Hartford, and Chittenango—including public libraries, local businesses, and veterans’ centers. Each contribution, no matter how small, strengthens the bond between communities and the men and women who defend them.

As Senator Griffo noted in a message to military members and veterans, “Today, we recognize the brave men and women who have served our great nation, both at home and abroad. Your selflessness and sacrifice are a lasting inspiration, and we thank you for all you’ve done to protect our freedoms.”

In every city and town where these collections take place, Americans are reminded that service extends beyond the battlefield—and that even an old cellphone can make a world of difference.