BANK OF AMERICA SUPPORTS TROOPS THROUGH CELL PHONES FOR SOLDIERS PROGRAM
 
More than 200 Michigan-Based Branch Locations Collecting Gently-Used Phones

Norwell, Mass. (Dec. 27, 2011) – In support of deployed military men and women, 231 Bank of America branch locations will collect gently-used mobile phones to benefit national charity Cell Phones for Soldiers Inc. Funds raised from donated devices will allow Cell Phones for Soldiers to bridge the communication gap for Michigan-based military families during deployments with free calling cards, allowing loved ones to hear each other’s voices.

“Bank of America has a history of building and supporting communities across the country,” said Scott Ward of Bank of America. “Supporting our armed forces through the Cell Phones for Soldiers program is yet another way Bank of America hopes to build stronger communities.”

Residents are encouraged to donate gently-used phones, any make or model, during business hours from Dec. 27 through Jan. 30 at branch locations in Michigan.

“We are so thankful for Bank of America’s efforts,” said Brittany Bergquist, co-founder of Cell Phones for Soldiers. “Despite the news that the Iraq War has ended, Bank of America realizes that there are thousands of service men and women still needing support and wanting to connect with loved ones at home.”

In seven years, Cell Phones for Soldiers has distributed more than 114 million minutes of talk time. Funds for the program are raised through the recycling and refurbishing of used mobile phones as well as cash donations. To date, more than 8.3 million cell phones have been recycled by Cell Phones for Soldiers. For more information visit www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com.

ABOUT CELL PHONES FOR SOLDIERS INC.
Cell Phones for Soldiers Inc. (CPFS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing deployed and returning troops cost-free methods to communicate with family while serving in the United States military. Based in Norwell, Mass., CPFS was founded in 2004 by Robbie and Brittany Bergquist, then 12 and 13 years old. From the recycling of used mobile phones and cash donations, the organization has raised more than $7 million, collected more than 8.3 million cell phones and provided troops overseas with more than 114 million minutes of free talk time. For more information www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com. Find us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/JoinCellPhonesforSoldiers.

Media Contact:

Sarah Merritt, 704-898-6469, smerritt@aspirecommunications.org

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