Interview with Brittany Bergquist, Co-Founder of Cell Phones for Soldiers

Cell Phones for Soldiers is a Non Profit Organization that puts a Unique Spin on Recycling Cell Phones. They take the proceeds from selling the recycled cell phones and buy calling card minutes for US Troops stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan and other overseas hardship posts,  so that they can call home. What most people don’t know about Cell Phones for Soldiers is that it was founded by a teenager brother and sister a few years ago, and has turned into a major project, raising millions of minutes for Soldiers Overseas. Cell Phones.org interviewed Brittany Bergquiest, the Co-Founder of Cell Phones for Soldiers.

Cell Phones.org: What was the impetus for the project? What made you decide to start the
program?

Brittany: My brother Robbie and I were watching tv one morning while getting ready for school.

One story caught our attention. It was about a soldier who was struggling to pay his cell phone bill. His bill was over seven thousand dollars and we asked our parents, ” Why doesn’t the government pay for his bill? Why should he have to worry about paying a cell phone bill when he really should be worried about keeping himself safe?”

We both went upstairs, emptied our piggy banks on the kitchen table and said, “We’re going to pay the soldier’s bill.” I was thirteen and Robbie was twelve at the time.

Our cousin had just been deployed to Iraq, so we were very aware of the need to keep in touch with loved ones and we wanted to help.

Cell Phones.org: How Many Cell Phones do you recycle/process a month?
Brittany: in January of 2008, our program recycled 60,000 phones. On average, we recycle about 30,000 per month and we have recycled a total of 1.4 million phones since March of 2007.

Cell Phones.org: How many minutes have you provided for soldiers since you started?

Brittany: We have sent over 450,000 phone cards that have 60 minutes of talk time on them, so
we have provided 27 million minutes of talk time.
Cell Phones.org: What does the military think about the program?
Brittany: The troops really appreciate what we are doing and so do their loved ones.

Here are a couple of examples of the emails we receive everyday. They inspire us to continue our program.

From a soldier:

Let me begin by saying God bless you and thank you to both of you. I just watched your interview on Glenn Beck and I am truly amazed (My wife laughed because I cried a little!). Most teens your age are just worried about hanging out at the mall, riding around with friends or playing sports (at least I was!). Instead you two decided to take your personal time and help the men and women in the military. I have been to Iraq and I am going back in a few months so I know how hard and expensive it is to call home. The impact that you two are making for Soldiers is more than you can imagine. Some Soldiers gave the ultimate sacrifice shortly after talking to their mom and dad or their spouse or child. The program that was started by two amazing people helped them say their last goodbye to their love ones. You two are an inspiration to every young person in America and I pray that others learn from you.

Thank you and God bless you both,
Staff Sergeant Chris Nicholas
Fort Hood Texas

Cell Phones.org: What’s the best way to donate the phones?

Brittany: The best way to donate phones is to go to our website: www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com and download a prepaid shipping label. People can also visit our website to find a drop off location in their state.

We are always looking for more people to act as drop off sites at their businesses, schools, fire stations and churches, so we would appreciate it if you could let them know that.