Push to collect cell phones for soldiers pays off

More soldiers serving abroad will be able to speak with their families thanks to the generosity of area residents.

During the past six months, Belvoir Credit Union collected 322 cell phones at their more than 10 branches. And with each cell phone donation, the credit union has donated one dollar to the Cell Phones for Soldiers charity.

The charity turns the donated phones into calling cards that are sent to soldiers, said Belvoir Credit Union spokeswoman Amy Shanks.

Since two Massachusetts teenagers formed the charity in 2008, Cell Phones for Soldiers has been working to collect 50,000 old cell phones per month at more than 3,000 collection sites, according to the charity’s Web site.

You can donate your old cell phones at Belvoir’s Woodbridge location, at 14040 Central Loop, just off Prince William Parkway.