Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to some of our more frequently asked questions. If you have any additional questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us here. For instant support, you can also use our chatbot powered by AI, located in the bottom right corner
What is Cell Phones for Soldiers?
Cell Phones for Soldiers is a national non-profit organization dedicated to providing cost-free communication services and emergency funding to active-duty military members and veterans. Since 2004, the charity has provided more than 400 million minutes of airtime to servicemen and women deployed around the world by recycling over 25 million cell phones, significantly reducing the impact on landfills.
How do I donate one or more cell phones, smartphones, mp3 players, or tablets?
Cell phones and all other devices can be sent to Cell Phones For Soldiers 5705 Commerce Blvd. Suite 100 Alpharetta, GA 30004 or can be dropped off at any of the thousands of Cell Phones for Soldiers’ official drop-off locations throughout the United States.
What do I do if I have a problem shipping donated phones?
Please contact Cell Phones For Soldiers directly at email info@cellphonesforsoldiers.com or call (678) 580-1976.
What if I want to hold an event or fundraiser?
Allow us to thank you in advance! Please complete the information requested here. You will receive an electronic welcome kit via email once you’re registered.
How do I make a monetary donation?
If you prefer to contribute financially, consider donating to CPFS. Every dollar counts and goes towards purchasing calling cards for troops abroad or providing emergency funding for veterans in need.
Do you accept electronic devices other than cell phones?
Yes, we also recycle and reuse tablets and MP3 players. Please pay special attention to wrapping tablets to ensure their safety during shipping. If you have any questions concerning donations of other electronic items please contact Cell Phones for Soldiers directly.(678) 580-1976 or info@cellphonesforsoldiers.com
How do veterans request assistance through the Helping Heroes Home program?
To request assistance from Helping Heroes Home, please speak to your Veterans Service Officer and have them contact Cell Phones For Soldiers for more information. info@cellphonesforsoldiers.com
Can I request a domestic or international calling card for a specific military member or unit?
Yes, by providing a valid APO/FPO address or email address, Cell Phones for Soldiers can directly mail or email cards to troops. Calling cards can be requested at the following site: https://www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com/ourprograms/
Do you send the donated cell phones directly to troops?
No. It is a common misunderstanding that Cell Phones For Soldiers sends donated mobile devices directly to deployed troops. Doing so is not a viable option because, first and foremost, cell phones can be security hazards for military members in combat zones. Secondly, the cost of international phone calls using a cell phone is very high, making this option extremely cost prohibitive. Instead, we use the proceeds from the donated cell phones and smartphones to send prepaid international calling cards to our troops to use via their approved phones.
Is there a way I can erase my personal data before the phone is donated?
Yes. If your cell phone has a SIM card, please remove it prior to donating. You also can search the internet for “factory reset” for the specific make and model of your phone to receive instructions on wiping away all personal information. If you cannot factory reset your device do not worry. Our recycling partner is R2:2013 (Responsible Recycling) and NAID AAA certified (National Association for Information Destruction) and follows the Department of Defense standards for wiping hard drives and devices.
What do you do with the donated cell phones?
Mobile devices and tablets donated to Cell Phones For Soldiers are sold either to an electronic refurbisher or a recycler. Once we receive a donated device, it is quickly wiped of all personal information and checked to see if it is repairable. A cell phone that is repairable is sold to an electronics refurbisher who will repair the device and resell it in the aftermarket. However, devices that are either too old or completely broken are sold to recyclers who strip the devices of any salvageable components and/or rare metals and then responsibly recycle the remaining parts. The proceeds from this process are used to purchase prepaid international calling cards for troops and to provide emergency funding to veterans.
What types of phones do you accept for donation?
We accept donations of any and all types of cell phones and smartphones from any carrier. Newer, gently-used mobile devices, including smartphones, are preferred for donation; however, proceeds are generated from the recycling of broken and outdated mobile phones as well. Chargers and accessories are welcome but are not necessary to donate. If you have a charger you would like to donate, please keep the original phone and charger together. Please do not send instruction manuals.
Are you a 501(C)(3) organization?
Yes. Please view our 501(c)(3) tax exemption letter. Cell Phones For Soldiers became a 501(C)(3) Charity Organization on December 14, 2004, Employer Identification Number is 20-1343425, DLN # 17053314031004.
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