Lawmaker launches program to support troops serving overseas

To help our troops serving overseas call home, state Rep. Jehan Gordon (D-Peoria) on Friday kicked off her third annual cell phone collection drive, Cell Phones for Soldiers, and will have locations throughout the district where residents will be able to donate their old phones.

“Enabling soldiers who dedicate their lives to our country to call their family and friends at no cost to themselves seems like such a simple thing, but there is incredible reward,” said Gordon. “Every cell phone donated will enable a solider to call family and friends back home. I am asking the community to help give back to our troops by dropping off old cell phones that may be lying around your house or no longer needed after a phone upgrade.”

Cell Phones for Soldiers is a non-profit organization that has raised millions of dollars in donations and distributed more than 500,000 prepaid calling cards to soldiers serving overseas. Collected equipment will be sold to ReCellular and the proceeds are used to purchase calling cards that are given to U.S. military personnel serving around the world. Cell phones and chargers can be donated and recycled at the following locations:

• Rep. Jehan Gordon’s District Office, 300 E War Memorial Drive, Suite 303, Peoria
• West Peoria City Hall, 2506 W. Rohmann Ave, West Peoria
• Limestone Township Building, 1501 W. Garfield Ave., Bartonville

“Sometimes being able to talk to friends and loved ones makes all the difference in the world,” said Gordon. “I encourage everyone who has a spare cell phone to donate it to this cause, and anyone who would like to become a drop-off location should contact our office. This Fourth of July we need to remember the sacrifices of those who are serving overseas and help them stay in touch with the ones they love.”
For more information contact Rep. Gordon’s constituent services office at (309) 681-1992.