UTICA, N.Y. (WBNG) — New York State Senator Joe Griffo is participating in the Cell Phones for Soldiers campaign for the 10th year, a program that provides military members with the opportunity to connect with their loved ones this holiday season.
The campaign uses proceeds from recycled devices to send calling cards to service members stationed both overseas and domestically. For each device recycled, Cell Phones for Soldiers provides 2.5 hours of free talk time to those service members.
“We all talk about things that we would like to do to be supportive of those who serve and protect us on a regular basis, give up so much in their duty, not only domestically but abroad— and this is just a great concept,” Griffo said.
Griffo said the campaign provides an easy way for people to support troops directly ahead of the holiday season.
Drop-off locations include:
- Jervis Public Library: 613 N. Washington St., Rome
- Central New York Veterans Outreach Center: 726 Washington St., Utica
- Chanatry’s Hometown Market: 485 French Rd., Utica
- Utica State Office Building: 207 Genesee St., Utica
- New Hartford Public Library: 2 Library Lane, New Hartford
- Oneida Public Library: 459 Main St., Oneida
- Sullivan Free Library, 101 Falls Blvd, Chittenango
- West Winfield Library: 179 South St., West Winfield
- Sherburne Public Library: 2 E State St., Sherburne
- Madison County Distillery, 2412 Rt 20, Cazenovia
Donations will be collected until Wednesday, Dec. 10.
Since the program’s inception, 740,000 minutes of free calls have been donated to service members.
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