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Show HILLTOP TIMES TIMES October 2, 2008 AFRC begins Cell Phones for Soldiers collection drive BY LEE ANNE HENSLEY Hilltop Times staff T he Airman and Family Readiness Center is now participating in the Cell Phones for Soldiers program. More than four years ago, teenagers Brittany and Robbie Bergquist started Cell Phones for Soldiers, a charity that collects used cell phones, sells them to recyclers, and then uses the proceeds to purchase prepaid calling cards for military personnel of all service branches stationed abroad. This year they've distributed 12 million minutes of prepaid calling cards to military personnel in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan. The AFRC, Base Exchange, library, Crosswinds and Westside base restaurants have placed receptacles in visible areas where Hill Air Force Base personnel can drop off their unwanted cell phones, personal digital assistants, beepers and other electronic devices. "We were contacted by the regional representative, Mr. Earl 'Scotty' MacKenzie, a Purple Heart recipient, and asked if we were interested," said Carole Beasley, AFRC director. "Of course we are, anything we can do to assist the deployed member and the families is of interest to us at Airman and Family Readiness Center and this program seemed a good way to involve our community as well. I know from experience there are lots of people out there who are interested in supporting the military family but don't know who to contact or what to do." The donated phones and electronic devices are sent to ReCellular, which pays Cell Phones for Soldiers for each device. Approximately half of the phones ReCellular processes are reconditioned and resold to wholesale companies in more than 40 countries around the world. Phones and components that cannot be refurbished are dismantled and recycled to reclaim materials, such as gold, silver and platinum from the device's circuit boards. "Our goal is to ensure healthy communications between the deployed member and their families back home, whether that be a spouse, child or parent," Beasley says. "With adequate communication, the member, knowing all is well at home, can focus on the mission and the deployments are easier on the families. It also aides the reunion process as the member is kept abreast of school, work and other daily events experienced by the family in his or her absence." In addition to donating unwanted cell phones, people can also donate money via the non-profit's website, cellphonesforsoldiers.com. THRIFT SHOP GETS NEW QUART Consignments a Donations TODD CROMAR/U.S. Air Force (Left to right) Tiffany Hebb, the Hill Thrift Shop Inc. assistant manager, Mae Owen, thrift shop volunteer, Col. Linda Medler, 75th Air Base Wing commander, and Alicia Martinez, thrift shop volunteer, assist in cutting the ribbon to officially reopen the Hill Thrift Shop Inc. on Oct. 1. The thrift shop had been moved to Building 830, at the far west end. "The Hill Thrift Shop is the largest thrift store in the system," said Medler at the ceremony. "They do wonderful work for Team Hill and the community. They have given $15,000 back to base events, the ROTC and the Ronald McDonald House. They are a full player in our community." 'Boo Camp' to boast haunting good time "B oo Camp," Oct. 25, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., is for children ages 5 and older and their parents at the Warrior Fitness Center. This festive aerobic class consists of "spooky drills," "haunting relays," "gouling strength training" and "bewitch- ing stretches!" All participants are welcome to wear a costume and the event is free. Turbo-kick at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., Flow Yoga will be cancelled this day. Call the center at 777-1215 for more information. •? Buy one, get one Hours: Mon • Fri ON ALL EYEGLASSES' Optical Center Located In the Exchange *SO% of 2nd par mijsi bo of cqui/ or lessor value and must b© for tho MT>O pcnion si tho first p.vf purchased. Pufch.-«_j* of two ccmpleto p.tiri of oyegLwww required. Glr\not bo cotrbined with any other discount, ccupon or insurance pl?n. All ey&giaiics roqu^o a current, valid p'lfscription. Offer rxplro; 1G725/0S- O20O8 National Vision. Inc. NewD EXTRA Must Present Coupon Optical Center & Optometry Care Exchange Concessionaire Visit us in the Base Exchange Building 412 801-776-3368 Veu? donors by Callfor Beta Eye Exams Available by Dr. Michael Larsen Independent Doctor of Oplomclry • TRICARE accepted. • Appointments are available. • Walk-ins are welcome. |