Cell Phones For Soldiers

The Sidney-Richland County Library has recently signed on to collect cell phones and other devices to benefit troops and veterans through the non-profit organization Cell Phones for Soldiers. The Library joins the Health Department in becoming a drop-off site for the program.

Three programs cooperatively work to answer the needs of service men and women. "Cell Phones for Soldiers" is a national non-profit serving troops and veterans with free communication services and emergency funding. Their "Minutes that Matter" program provides free calling cards to active military members to connect with loved ones. The "Helping Heroes Home" program assists veteran servicemen and women with emergency funds to alleviate communication challenges and other hardships.

Since 2004, Cell Phones for Soldiers has provided military troops with more than 300 million "Minutes that Matter" and has assisted more than 3100 veterans with emergency funding since 2012.

Both programs are funded through the recycling of cell phones and other devices. More than 15 million devices have been recycled, reducing the impact on local landfills.

Used cell phones, tablets and mp3 players may be dropped off at the front desk at the Sidney-Richland County Library during regular business hours. The devices can be in any condition, and removing personal information is not necessary, as phones are not sold or redistributed. More information about donating or receiving services can be found at: https://www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com/about-us/faqs/

The Sidney-Richland County Library is located at 121 3rd Ave NW in Sidney, and is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.