Age Doesn't Matter When You Have A Great Idea!
In 2005, Brittany (age 13) and Robbie Bergquist (age 12) could have spent their 21 dollars on a video game or some burgers and fries, or maybe even have donated it to charity....but they had a great idea - a vision.
They started a non-profit organization called Cell Phones for Soldiers. So you're thinking...that's nice...they probably had some car washes and sent a few hundred bucks worth of cell phone to the soldiers.
Well, they did slightly better than that - their registered 501c3 non-profit organization has raised almost $1 million in donations and distributed more than 400,000 prepaid calling cards to soldiers serving overseas.
What did you do on your summer vacation?
When They Started Out....
Teens Read The News
"While he was in Iraq, he worked up a $7,624 cell phone bill," says Brittany.
"When we heard about that, we felt so bad, we ran upstairs and got the money we had saved up and brought it to our parents and told them we had to send this to Brian to help him pay his bill, because we thought it was another thing that he had to worry about. And he didn't have to deal with that type of stress."
With that small start, these two have managed to start a nonprofit corporation that has collected at least 1.4 million dollars worth of old cell phones which they sell to a company in exchange for cell phone cards to send to our soldiers - whenever they are away from their home.
A simple idea - but one that makes these two kids, my heroes.
Are These Kids Heroes? This Sgt Thinks So.
Dear Brittany & Robbie Bergquist,Hi, my name is Terry Corder, a Sergeant First Class in the US Army currently stationed in Camp Taji Iraq. Yesterday I received a Christmas stocking and part of the contents was a calling card from you. I first of all want to say thank you, the card will be put to good use calling my wife and three children back in Germany. Secondly, I was reading your story on the back of the card, I read it once, then I read it a second time and started to cry because of how you two donated your piggy bank money and snack money from your friends at school, to start Cell Phones for Soldiers. If I had your address I would send you two $21.00, to replace your money that you donated to start such a grateful program. I can tell you that the soldiers here are grateful to receive gifts from the states no matter what it may be. I know that you all probably get letters of thanks from service members deployed over here, just wanted to send mine. Again thank you for what you have done.
TERRY S. CORDER
Senior Human Resources Sergeant
FIRES Sqdn, 2d SCR
Camp Taji, Iraq
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__________________
How Can You Help?
You can simply go to the Cell Phones For Soldiers website and find a drop off point near you or you can donate cash or you can buy flowers.Flowers?
Yes.
Cell Phones for Soldiers recently collaborated with Rosemont Floral in the Touching Hearts Fundraising Partnership to raise money for phone cards to help troops abroad call home.
When you use Rosemont Floral for flower orders over $25.00, a contribution of $3.00 will be go directly towards Cell Phones for Soldiers.
Orders can be placed for across town or across the country. Just mention the Touching Hearts ID: SOLDIERS and Rosemont Floral will take care of the rest.
If you order online, simply enter SOLDIERS into the comments field. Share the Touching Hearts Fundraising Partnership information with friends and family and help Rosemont Floral raise funds and awareness about this much need service.
Don't forget to send flowers to all those Dads n'Grads in your life!
www.rosemontfloral.com
How Can You Help If You Are A Business, School or Organization
If you are a business or organization, you can apply to be a local drop off point for old cell phones. Go to the website for Cell Phones For Soldiers to apply.WHen you have been accepted you can download flyers for your windows, set up a bin, bucket or basket, send out a press release and watch the cell phones come rolling in. When you have a full box you can send them in and start again.
The cell phones are sold to a company that recycles them. The money that they get for the phones is used to purchase calling cards that are sent to our soldiers serving.
Are These Kids Heroes?
Heroes come in many sizes and shapes, but the one thing they have in common is that they put someone else before themselves.Brittany and Robbie thought of others first - for that, they are heroes - AND role models...not just for children, but for all of us.
They have received many awards for their creative idea and great follow through - which I also attribute to great parents. I'm sure they had no idea where their idea would lead, but their parents supported them in their efforts and hats off to them also.
Their project just keeps growing, but we all wait for a time when it will not be necessary. When our troops can come home and speak with us face to face. Until that time...Brittany and Robbie - keep up the good work!
Here They Are Now!
Today I Received This Message From Brittany
I really appreciate thank you notes - don't you?
Aug 17
Hi~
If I didn't respond before, I just want to say thank you for sharing our story on Squidoo!!
It really helps to spread the word about Cell Phones for Soldiers.
Sincerely,
Brittany
Cell Phones for Soldiers
243 Winter Street
Norwell, MA 02061
781-659-7789 Home
cellphonesforsoldiers@yahoo.com
www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com
Inspiring Childrens Books
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SemperFidelis
Excellent heroes in my books! My husband is a former U.S. Marine and appreciates any generosity offered our troops. Posted September 04, 2008 |
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Evelyn_Saenz
Congratulations on Lens of the Day. 5 stars and favored. Posted August 17, 2008 |
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richard_wheeler
That was a really nice idea. I bet the soldiers really appreciate someone thinking of them and the sacrifice they are making overthere. Using these phones they can keep in contact with their families when their families and let them all know how they soldiers are doing through the Iraq crisis which I bet so many families wish would end. I know a local family who wish the war in Iraq would end so their son can come home with his wife and family. Posted August 10, 2008 |
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poutine
Yeah, I say those two kids are heroes. Posted August 09, 2008 |
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thefranfausey
Congratulations. You have made a tremendous difference in the lives of our troops. You should be very proud of yourself. You took action and have helped a lot of soldiers. Posted July 30, 2008 |
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Passaroundthemagic-com
The power of ideas! Love it! I am thankful to the internet for pointing us in your direction: My daughter just collected a large bag full of cellphones for the Cell Phones for Soldiers cause as part of her Bat Mitzvah "mitzvah" or "good deed" project. This large collection of assorted has-been cell phones will soon be on their way. Orli loved that Brittany and Robbie were her very age when they made this cause into a reality. Plus, recycling is so very important to her. Bravo to all for making a difference! Posted July 26, 2008 |
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SGB
Brittany and Robbie are awesome! My son spent a year in Iraq and knowing there are young folks that go above and beyond to make a difference is so heart-warming. Posted July 25, 2008 |
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theawristocrat
Well done lens. Rated it 5 stars and bookmarked! Posted July 22, 2008 |
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Squidoo-Pat
Thanks for the heads-up on this project. I just found a drop-off location in my area and will drop some phones off shortly. Smart kids with a great idea and a big heart! Posted July 21, 2008 |
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butterfly173173173
My mom has these little plastic bags with the "Cell Phones for Soldiers" logo on it. We have sent lots of our old cell phones out. I didn't know that this was started by some kids. Cool. Posted July 16, 2008 |
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Angeladtao
So touching! I'm so happy to see our kids thinking of our troops like this. I am pleased to see that the future is safe in the hands of young people like this. It is my wish that their spirit of giving and service to others will spread around the world. Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with Brittany and Robbie! Great lens and deserving choice. Posted July 11, 2008 |
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cjbart
It is so heartening to see Youngsters understanding that "Service to Humanity is the Best Work of Life Posted July 11, 2008 |
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MuddyLaBoue
Terrific! These kids are just waiting for things to get better... they're working to make the world better for some guys who could really use some support! Posted July 11, 2008 |
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Frankster
What a touching story. These kids meet my definition of heroes. Thank you for sharing. It's great to see another generation with kids that care. LotD was well deserved. Congrats! Bear hugs, Frankster Posted July 10, 2008 |
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Wordilydoc
Remarkable I am really proud of them. God knows it can be real rough on the battle turf. Anything of this nature has to be applauded. Pray they keep up the good work. Posted July 10, 2008 |
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poddys
What a great pair, so deserving. And a great lens to honor them as well. 5***** and congratulations on LOTD. I have a phone I hope to have ready to turn in in a couple of months, now I know where to send it. Posted July 10, 2008 |
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yankee12gen
You Kids Rock!Congratulations on your great lens and commendable project. I'm over here in Iraq(as a contractor) and I know the soldiers appreciate what you are doing for them. See my Iraq pics at http://johnsprague.ws Bye-john. Posted July 10, 2008 |
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PlushMemoriesPlus
Wow! What a great story! 5*'s for this wonderful lens! Posted July 10, 2008 |
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GreenRevolution
Wow! What an inspirational story and a great lens! Kudos to Brittany and Robbie for devoting their time to such a worthy cause. They are dong a wonderful job! Congrats on LOTD! Well deserved. Posted July 10, 2008 |
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lakeerieartists
Very cool. Great idea and great lens! Posted July 10, 2008 |
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d-artist
WONDERFUL story and lens! Thank You for doing this, all servicemen/woman are to be remembered. Posted July 10, 2008 |
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Joan4
Wonderful story! Super lens! Delightful caring children! Wow! 5*FAV Posted July 10, 2008 |
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KadabaCo
Congrats on LOTD! Your parents must be so proud, as I am too! You're not only helping out the soldiers, but by recycling these phones you are helping the villagers in Africa from the problems they have mining the metal inside of these phones. Great job and a great idea! 5*'s and favorited! Posted July 10, 2008 |
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Rob3
These kids are full of inspiration, something we adults can learn from. Well done to them for this wonderful effort - keep up the good work! Congratulations on LOTD. Posted July 10, 2008 |
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Susandan
It really makes us proud that there are teens like these around. You hear and see so much of what they all do wrong, how refreshing to read about these. Way to go!!! Posted July 10, 2008 |
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rms
Congratulations on a terrific LotD! Posted July 10, 2008 |
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KimGiancaterino
When you see kids like this, the future seems very bright. Thanks for sharing their story, and congratulations on LOTD. Squid Angel Blessed. Posted July 10, 2008 |
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RinchenChodron
Wow, these kids really made a HUGE difference in the lives of our troups - way to go. Thanks for this lens ***** Posted July 10, 2008 |
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Shawna-Tayler
Thanks everyone & thanks Squid Team for LOTD! I'm overwhelmed and honored! Posted July 10, 2008 |
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Shawna-Tayler
Thanks everyone & thanks Squid Team for LOTD! I'm overwhelmed and honored! Posted July 10, 2008 |
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Shawna-Tayler
Thanks everyone & thanks Squid Team for LOTD! I'm overwhelmed and honored! Posted July 10, 2008 |
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Shawna-Tayler
Thanks everyone & thanks Squid Team for LOTD! I'm overwhelmed and honored! Posted July 10, 2008 |
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Shawna-Tayler
Thanks everyone & thanks Squid Team for LOTD! I'm overwhelmed and honored! Posted July 10, 2008 |
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enslavedbyfaeries
Congratulations! This is an inspiring story that all kids (and grownups) should read. Posted July 10, 2008 |
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dtbs
congrats on LOTD! interesting lens! thanks for sharing this info! please check mine out at----------------> Kava Kava. Posted July 10, 2008 |
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driewe
Inspiring lens! 5 stars Posted July 10, 2008 |
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ShortSaleRealtor
great lens 5 stars 4 u and congrats on lotd Posted July 10, 2008 |
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MexicoLarry
This really is awesome! The Super Hero project is bringing out such great stories! :) Way to go for letting people know about a real way to support our soldiers! Posted July 10, 2008 |
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CyndiC
Congrats on LOTD! And thanks for the information on how we can support our soldiers. Brittany and Robbie are heroes in my book! Posted July 10, 2008 |
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WesJefferson
Ahh, the good that can come from a simple idea. These teens were motivated to make a difference and they did. Congratulations to them and to you on LOTD! Posted July 10, 2008 |
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Susan52
This is a project that touches me personally, with one son recently returned from Iraq and the other now at Camp Taji. Thanks for this wonderful lens saluting truly great heroes. Can't wait to see what these "kids" accomplish as they grow up! Congrats on LOTD! Posted July 10, 2008 |
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chefkeem
These kids are more mature than many adults. What a wonderful inspiration. 5*s and congratulations to LotD. I'm also glad to have found your other lenses through this project. Posted July 10, 2008 |
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pyle_mountain
Another inspiring Hero Lens. Well done. This one truly shows that a person (or persons) can make a difference - regardless of age. Congratulations on your Lens of the Day. Posted July 10, 2008 |
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FoxMusic
Congrats on Lens of the Day and a big shout out for Brittany and Robbie, thanks for making a difference. Posted July 10, 2008 |
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JaguarJulie
Congratulations to Brittany and Robbie Bergquist for making a difference! What a wonderful effort starting a non-profit organization, Cell Phones for Soldiers. That's something the rest of us could learn from! A wonderfully deserved LOTD. Congrats for the great work. Posted July 10, 2008 |
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debnet
Good for them! I hope their efforts inspire other youngsters to put their time to good use :) Posted July 10, 2008 |
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ValueValleyUK
At a time when youngsters get so much bad press, it is heart warming to read of Brittany and Robbie's selfless efforts to help soldiers keep in touch with their loved ones. Congratulations also to the proud Mom & Dad...I am certain there are many parents out there who could learn a great deal from them also... Posted July 10, 2008 |
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mulberry
Wow, I only have to wonder what else these kids will achieve as they mature. Hereos for sure! Posted July 10, 2008 |
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spirituality
Great idea for a charity - and great idea for a lens :) Posted July 10, 2008 |
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Dad-The-Lad
So cool. Posted July 10, 2008 |
