The Upper Cumberland Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) is participating in the MOAA national effort to turn old cell phones into phone cards for deployed troops. This effort is made possible through the national non-profit charity, Cell Phones for Soldiers (CPFS). Their website is  HYPERLINK "http://www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com" www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com.  Established in 2004 by then-teenagers Robbie and Brittany Bergquist of Norwell, MA, CPFS has provided more than 60 million minutes of free talk time to the troops by recycling old cell phones to convert to pre-paid phone cards.   Each recycled cell phone translates into approximately 60 minutes of free talk time for the troops and their loved ones back home. 
There are probably many old cell phones in the community, collecting dust and taking up space.  This is an excellent opportunity to donate to a worthwhile cause as well as getting rid of unneeded items.  Accessories to cell phones are not needed but can be included as well.  There are various sites in the county for ease of collection.  They include the following:  DeKalb Community Bank, Liberty State Bank, Regions Bank, First Bank, Verizon and State Farm Office.  In each location you will find a cell phone for soldiers box where phones can be deposited.  For more information please call Wendy Bottomley at 615-390-3567.
MOAA national has the goal of donating at least 1,000,000 minutes of pre-paid talk time which equates to about 16,700 cell phones.  That’s a high standard to set but the local chapter is confident it can make a worthy contribution with the help of the civic-minded citizens in the community.  This project continues until January 31, 2012 and the chapter looks forward to contributions throughout the fall.  
The Upper Cumberland Chapter is one of ten chapters of MOAA in Tennessee and has a current membership of 98, to include retired officers, their spouses and surviving spouses.  It supports communities by sponsoring a yearly $1,500 scholarship for a college-bound senior enrolled in JROTC and providing financial assistance to needy veterans and their families through the MOAAHELPS program.