For military personnel and families, phone bills should be the least of their concerns.  That’s why Chevrolet is teaming up with the Cell Phones for Soldiers not for profit organization to help make communication easier for our troops.

Some troops holding their new calling cards

“If just 2 percent of Americans were to donate their unwanted phones, we could supply every soldier with a free call home – and a small measure of our national gratitude, ”said Robbie Bergquist, co-founder of Cell Phones for Soldiers.

The Cell Phones for Soldiers program recycles old cell phones and turns the money into prepaid calling cards for soldiers. Since its inception the registered 501c3 non-profit organization has raised almost $2 million in donations and distributed more than 500,000 prepaid calling cards to soldiers serving overseas.

“There are more than 130 million phones retired every year in the United States,” Bergquist said.

To help raise funds for Cell Phones for Soldiers, Chevrolet’s effort will include:

• Encouraging all 77,000 GM employees in the United States to donate their used personal phones to the program.
• Placing collection boxes for used cell phones at Chevrolet dealers nationwide.
• Introducing Cell Phones for Soldiers to millions of race fans at 16 Chevy Racing events throughout the 2010 race season.  In May, Dale Earnhardt Jr. introduced Cell Phones for Soldiers to NASCAR fans at Richmond International Raceway.

“We feel Cell Phones for Soldiers is a worthy cause that fits well with GM’s long-standing commitment to support the men and women serving our country,” said Mark Degnan, GM director of Local Advertising, Marketing and Training.

This move is part of GM”s Military Discount program which offers soldiers and their families reduced prices on GM vehicles.  The specifics of this program can be found here.

Whether it be a cash donation, phone donation or even setting up a drop point, there’s plenty you can do to help.  Visit Cell Phones For Soldiers online today to get started.

Ford dealers in Buffalo and Northern Pennsylvania teamed up to continue a 15 year tradition.  As part of the Ford’s Friendship Express program, the Boys and Girls Club and Homespace Inc. each received a 2010 Econoline Van Thursday at Delaware Park.

Scott Bieler on hand for the van donation

This is the 15th anniversary of the program.  Since 1996, the Friendship Express program has donated over 60 vehicles each year to different charities.  

West Herr President Scott Bieler was on hand along with other Ford representatives.

“We try to pick organizations with a positive impact on the community and that affect a lot of people,” Bieler told the Buffalo News.  

The vans will be used to help charity participants learn about the Buffalo area and meet their basic needs, according to charity representatives.

The Boys & Girls Club of America is a national organization serving underprivileged children between the ages of 6-18. Homespace Inc. is a local charity aimed at assisting pregnant teens and teenage mothers.

This is just one of the many charity ventures West Herr is involved with.  Recently multiple West Herr Employees set up a rest stop with food and beverages at the Ride For Roswell. Pictures are available here.