Crittenton Seeks Donations for Cell Phones to Soldiers at Nov. 7 Veteran's Day Tribute

Crittenton Home Care and nonprofit Cell Phones for Soldiers Inc. are asking Oakland County residents to help troops call home by donating gently-used cellular phones and smart phones. Although the military landscape is ever changing, as many as 290,000 troops are serving in the U.S. military overseas around the world. By donating to Cell Phones for Soldiers, the community can provide troops with that precious connection to loved ones back home.

During its annual Veteran’s Day event, held this year on Nov. 7 at Crittenton Hospital Medical Center, Crittenton Home Care asks the community to drop off old cell phones, chargers and accessories. Donations will be accepted from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. in the Crittenton Hospital Medical Center lobby.

Cell Phones for Soldiers was founded in 2004 by teenagers Robbie and Brittany Bergquist at the ages of 12 and 13. The charity has since provided 181 million minutes of free talk time to servicemen and women stationed around the world. Funds raised from the recycling of cellular phones are used to purchase prepaid international calling cards. On average, Cell Phones for Soldiers distributes 12,000 calling cards each week to bases around the world, care package programs, deployment ceremonies and VA hospitals.

Crittenton Home Care and American House Senior Living Communities adds this collection event as part the Third Annual Veteran’s Day Tribute. All veterans in attendance at the event are recognized and honored at 11 a.m. with a medal and pinning ceremony, lead by Brian Bobek, president of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154.

The Michigan Vietnam Veteran’s Traveling Memorial will be a main feature in the hospital’s main lobby from 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. at 1101 W. University in Rochester Hills. The memorial, which has been displayed by the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 since 2005, is a visual reminder of the 2,654 Michigan Vietnam veterans who gave their lives during the war. The Color Guard from Chapter 154 will also present the colors of the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard during the medal presentation.

The American House Traveling Choir, made up of American House residents and veterans alike, will perform their repertoire of patriotic staples. The Choir has been performing songs throughout the community since Independence Day in 2012.

Members of the public are encouraged to stop by throughout the day. To RSVP or for more information, visit www.crittentonhc.com or call Community Relations Coordinator Andrea Walker, Crittenton Home Care, at 248-656-6757. For more information on Cell Phones for Soldiers, visit www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com.