OAKBROOK TERRACE – Area residents can lend a hand to help soldiers overseas stay in touch with loved ones.

State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) is excited to announce her office’s partnership with Cell Phones For Soldiers, a nonprofit organization which provides free communication services to active duty military personnel and veterans.

“Donating cellphones is a small way for us all to show our support to our brave men and women overseas,” Glowiak Hilton said. “This program helps keep families and loved ones connected when our military men and women often need it the most. Help us lend a hand to our brave heroes.”

Glowiak Hilton has designated her office a permanent drop off location for residents.

Residents can donate newer, gently used cell phones for men and women in the military to use, or they can donate broken or outdated mobile phones to be recycled for parts, with the resulting funds used to purchase prepaid international calling cards.

Cell Phones For Soldiers was founded in 2004 by Robbie and Brittany Bergquist, then 12 and 13, and has since provided more than 300 million minutes of free talk time to members of the military stationed around the world.

For more information, residents can contact the district office at (630) 785-3177.