At&t Partners & Brooklyn Chamber Partner for 'Cell Phones For Soldiers' Holiday Drive

Just in time for the holidays, our service members overseas will be able to better stay in touch with their loved ones, thanks to a new partnership between AT&T and the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.

Between now and December 13, Brooklynites can place their old devices in specially marked bins at the Chamber. AT&T has a long-standing mission of connecting members of our nation's military with their loved ones back home. With the support of AT&T and cell phone donations by its customers, Cell Phones for Soldiers has generated more than $3 million to help connect military members to their families back home.

"AT&T is committed to supporting our troops at home and overseas, and we understand the importance of keeping troops and their families connected, especially during the holiday season," said Marissa Shorenstein, New York State President, AT&T. "Working with Cell Phones for Soldiers to provide troops away from home pre-paid phone cards is one way we can thank them for their service. I'm so glad AT&T is able to partner with the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce to bring this program to New Yorkers across the five boroughs and I encourage everyone to donate their old cell phones to this important cause."

"All Brooklynites are united in honoring the extraordinary service of the men and women who serve in our nation's armed service. These heroes deserve all our respect and admiration. The least we can do is help to keep these men and women serving abroad connected to their families," said Carlo A. Scissura, President & CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. "The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce is honored to be working with AT&T on this year's Cell Phones for Soldiers drive. It is especially important for these families during the holiday season. Let's say thank you to these men and women by dropping off your old or unused cell phone at our offices, located at 335 Adams Street, Suite 2700, in Brooklyn. It will go a long way in making sure soldiers stay connected to their family this year and beyond."

AT&T is also proud to support Cell Phones for Soldiers' new initiative - "Helping Heroes Home" - which provides emergency funds for returning veterans to alleviate communication challenges, as well as physical, emotional and assimilation hardships.

In 2012, AT&T and the AT&T Foundation supported "Helping Heroes Homes" through a financial commitment of more than $450,000.

Wireless customers are encouraged to drop their old cell phones off at the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce's office, located at 335 Adams Street, Ste 2700, Brooklyn. Before donating devices, individuals should remove any SIM card, erase their data and restore their device to factory settings.

The phones will be donated to Cell Phones for Soldiers, an organization that uses recycling proceeds to buy and send pre-paid phone cards to military members stationed away from home.

The program was founded in 2004 by then teenagers Brittany and Robbie Bergquist as a way for military families serving overseas to keep in touch with family back home.

The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce supports small businesses and promotes community leadership throughout the borough.

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