Local residents helped donate more than 50 old and discarded cell phones to Rep. Jehan Gordon (D-Peoria) for her 3rd Annual Cell Phones for Soldiers Drive, resulting in over 3,000 minutes in talk time provided to soldiers overseas.

“At the end of a long day, we all look forward to going home and talking to our loved ones. Unfortunately this everyday occurrence is a difficult thing to do when you or a loved one is serving in the military overseas.” Gordon explains, “Each individual who dropped off a cell phone is helping a soldier connect with their family back home at no charge to them or their families. I want to thank everyone who dropped off a cell phone at our collection sites. Their generosity has gone a long way to providing peace of mind to those who are sacrificing for our country.”

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. The drive this year provided 3,360 minutes of talk time to soldiers and their families.

“My office is now a permanent collection site and will continue to collect cell phones year round. We have already received donations from community members since we delivered phones from our drive this year,” Gordon said. “If you come across a cell phone at any time during the year, please feel free to drop it off at my office. I will make sure that they are put to good use by connecting our military members and their loved ones”

Gordon’s district office is located at 300 E. War Memorial Drive, Suite 303. There is a box outside the door for cell phone collection.

For more information, contact Rep. Gordon’s constituent services office at (309) 681-1992.