University of Phoenix Louisville Campus Honors Memorial Day by Collecting Cell Phones for Soldiers

LOUISVILLE, Ky., May 28 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 150,000 U.S. troops are bravely serving overseas and are away from their families. They are working hard to protect us every moment of every day.

Memorial Day is nearing and University of Phoenix Louisville Campus believes that these courageous men and women deserve to be honored for more than one day. The Campus invites the Louisville community to join in supporting our troops by donating used cell phones. The national Cell Phone for Soldiers Program provides calling cards to military personnel around the world so they can stay connected with family, friends and loved ones. From today through July 4, 2010, local residents can support the collection drive by bringing cell phones to University of Phoenix Louisville Campus' official drop site, located at:

Currently supplying over 6,500 calling cards per week to deployed soldiers, Cell Phones for Soldiers is working with ReCellular to exchange the donated cell phones (which they then recycle) for calling cards worth an hour of talk time.

"We've been a long time supporter of the Cell Phones for Soldiers Program," said Scot Mall, campus director at University of Phoenix Louisville. "Our goal this Memorial Day is to garner a significant number of donations and send our biggest package yet to troops in service. Giving back to our community is at the core of University of Phoenix, and supporting soldiers that risk their lives for our country is truly an honor. We are happy to help in any way possible."

Approximately half of the phones ReCellular processes are reconditioned and resold to wholesale companies in over 40 countries around the world. Phones and components that cannot be refurbished are dismantled and recycled to reclaim materials, including:

• Gold, silver and platinum from circuit boards
• Copper wiring from phone chargers
• Nickel, iron, cadmium and lead from battery packs
• Plastic from phone cases and accessories

ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX

University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help students balance education and life in a rapidly changing world. Through flexible schedules, challenging courses and interactive learning, students achieve personal and career aspirations without putting their lives on hold. As of February 28, 2010, 458,600 students were enrolled at University of Phoenix, the largest private university in North America. University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world. For more information, visit www.phoenix.edu

ABOUT CELL PHONES FOR SOLDIERS:

Cell Phones for Soldiers was created by Brittany & Robbie Bergquist of Norwell MA.  After reading a story about a soldier who ran up a huge phone bill calling home from Iraq, these two teenagers decided to help out.  They started by opening an account with $21.00 of their own money.  They are collecting cash donations and old cell phones.  The cell phones are recycled for cash and the proceeds are used to buy prepaid calling cards for our soldiers serving in the Middle East.  Cell Phones For Soldiers is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  Their efforts have motivated people and businesses around the country to donate to this worthy cause.  Their goal is to provide every US soldier with a way to call home for free.  For more information, please visit www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com

SOURCE University of Phoenix