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Your old cell phone buys phone time for troops
Wanna Help? Donate your used/discarded cell phones and earn calling card minutes for American Troops Details: Helpthemcallhome.org
So many Americans express the desire to reach out and support our troops serving in Iraq, but many just do not know what to do. There is a wonderful effort growing in momentum and in support that turned one family's tragic loss into an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the men and women serving our country.
After the death of his brother-in-law, Dan Clay, Jodie Butler and his family received a letter from Clay that changed their lives, and placed the name 'Dan Clay' in the forefront of the minds of many people world-wide.
"I know what honor is," Dan's letter read. "It is not a word to be thrown around. It has been an Honor to protect and serve all of you. I faced death with the secure knowledge that you would not have to... Never Falter! Don't hesitate to honor and support those of us who have had the honor of protecting that which is worth protecting."
Though devastated, Butler was determined to give something back to the men and women serving America.
In a letter to his Merrill Lynch coworkers, Butler requested their help in making a difference.
"As many of you know, on December 1, 2005 I lost my brother-in-law (and close friend) SSgt. Daniel J. Clay in Iraq. Before Dan was killed he left a letter for all of us (family) in the event he did not make it home. Dan's story has been told around the globe, through phone conversations, pulpits, and email. President Bush shared it with the Nation, as his mother, father and bride sat with The First Lady during the 2006 State of the Union speech."
Butler asked them to donate old cell phones, announcing the "Help Them Call Home" campaign. The cell phones are traded for calling cards that enable the troops to stay in touch with family and friends. Coworkers in the Merrill Lynch Emerald Coast Complex initially raised over 250,000 minutes in calling cards, and he is currently toting over 700 cell phones in his truck worth another 175,000 more minutes.
"Gulf Power has signed on and many other corporations are coming on board. There is no end to what this effort can do for our troops,." Butler says.
Each phone donated generates one 250 minute calling card, and each $40 donation is worth one 1,200 minute calling card. Check out the web page helpthemcallhome.org for drop spots or mailing information, or send a donation to the Marine Corps League. Used phones can be in any condition.
"Please 'don't hesitate' to help us honor all of the men and women "protecting that which is worth protecting.Find the phones in your junk drawers and ask your family, friends and coworkers to do the same. Then forward this letter to as many corporate contacts as possible. God bless you, God bless our military, and God bless America," entreats Butler.
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