The City of Alcoa is proud to announce its participation in the Cell Phones for Soldiers program as an official cell phone collection center at FreedomFest 2007 and throughout the month of July. FreedomFest attendees are encouraged to bring used cell phones, batteries, and accessories to this year’s FreedomFest. Throughout the month of July, used cell phones may be dropped off at the City of Alcoa Municipal Building during normal business hours.

Cell Phones for Soldiers is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was started by two Norwell, Massachusetts teenagers to help buy pre-paid calling cards to send to our service men and women serving over seas. Beginning in April of 2004, Cell Phones for Soldiers has raised close to one million dollars and has sent more than 75,000 pre-paid calling cards to our troops.

In addition to calling cards, Cell Phones for Soldiers is now sending video phones to units in the Middle East and to their home base as well so families are able to see each other as they talk. The phone and service are provided free to soldiers and their families.

The program will accept any model or make phone. You may drop off cell phones and attached batteries as well as accessories. The phones are recycled for cash to purchase cards or unlimited free video phone calls.

Please visit www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com, or call the City of Alcoa at (865) 380-4787 for more information.