Service-minded civilians send cells to soldiers

Gates, Kingsley & Gates Smith Salsbury funeral directors will collect unwanted, gently used cell phones as part of a collection initiative, Cell Phones for Soldiers, which recycles the phones and uses the proceeds to provide pre-paid calling cards to the U.S. Armed Forces. In addition, community members are invited to stop in and pick up complimentary handheld American flags through May 29 to celebrate Memorial Day.

“The response from the community since we launched our cell phone collection drive has been incredible,” said April Trzyna, location manager at Gates, Kingsley & Gates Smith Salsbury.

“Helping families keep in touch with loved ones deployed around the world is one of the most important ways we can support our troops,” said Darlene Allen, a grandmother of two deployed servicemen. “Enabling families to stay in touch means more than most people will ever know.”

Cell phones and cell phone components and accessories may be dropped off and one flag per person may be picked up seven days a week between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. through May 29 at 4220 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City.

Flags will be provided regardless of whether or not a donation is made. Cell phones will be accepted indefinitely.

For more information, for more information, go to cellphonesforsoldiers.com.