Cell Phones For Soldiers Celebrates 10 years of Serving Troops and Veterans
Boston, MA (PRWEB) April 14, 2014 -- Ten years ago, Robbie and Brittany Bergquist, then 12 and 13 years old, answered the call to serve the men and women donning United States military uniforms.
After seeing a local television news story about a soldier who accumulated an approximate $8000 phone bill from calling home, the Bergquist teens took action and founded Cell Phones For Soldiers® in 2004. Through its “Minutes That Matter” program, the national nonprofit provides free calls home to connect active-duty military members with loved ones.
“Our sole mission and complete passion was to connect the world’s bravest men and women with their greatest strength … their families,” said co-founder Robbie Bergquist. “But we didn’t want to stop there. The need to assist veterans returning from duty was overwhelming.”
Since 2004, the organization also launched “Helping Heroes Home” to provide returning veterans with emergency funds to alleviate communication challenges as well as physical, emotional and assimilation hardships.
Fast forward 10 years, Cell Phones For Soldiers has delivered more than 204 million “Minutes That Matter” to deployed troops and granted emergency funds for more than 400 returning veterans in need.
“It’s overwhelming to think about the millions of lives we’ve touched in such a short time,” said co-founder Brittany Bergquist. “We are humbled by the amazing support from our donors and the emotional stories shared by military families and veterans. As Cell Phones For Soldiers continues to serve those in need, we are excited to unveil a fresh new look for the organization.”
Setting its sights on the next decade, Cell Phones For Soldiers will feature a new logo, which represents the organization’s desire to connect U.S. servicemen, women and veterans around the globe with heartfelt support. Additionally, a new website is expected later this year.
To donate a gently-used cell phone, contribute a monetary donation or to get involved, please visit http://www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com.
About Cell Phones for Soldiers Inc.
Cell Phones For Soldiers Inc. is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing cost-free communication services to active-duty military members and veterans. Founded in 2004 by Robbie and Brittany Bergquist, then 12 and 13 years old, Cell Phones For Soldiers has provided more than 204 million “Minutes That Matter” to deployed troops. Since 2012, “Helping Heroes Home” has provided emergency funds for more than 400 returning veterans to alleviate communication challenges as well as physical, emotional and assimilation hardships. For more information, visit cellphonesforsoldiers.com, Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest pages.
Erin McCloskey, Aspire Communications, +1 (336) 207-5222, [email protected]
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