Macon Reporter

State Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield) is pushing a plan where local residents would donate cell phones for soldiers during the holiday season.

“I can think of no better way to support those who serve to protect our freedoms than giving them a reliable way to call home,” Turner said in a press release. “This is a great program that allows our troops to stay connected to their families during the holiday seasons and beyond.”

As part of the national Cell Phones for Soldiers program, Turner is collecting new and gently used cell phones and tablets for soldiers and their families.  

“People with old cellphones, MP3 players or tablets laying around are encouraged to donate them to be refurbished or recycled,” Turner added in the release. “Proceeds from those sales are used to send prepaid international calling cards to troops and to provide emergency funding to veterans.”

With all the donations being tax deductible, donations can be dropped off at Turner’s Decatur office at 1210 S. Jasper St. or her Carlinville office at 130 East Main St. Suite B. Each office will accept donations from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday until Nov. 30.

Residents with questions or concerns can contact her office at 217-854-4502.

Turner was also recently on hand for Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s signing of the Reimagining Electric Vehicles in Illinois Act.

“This legislation will transform the industry and communities throughout Illinois and beyond,” Turner tweeted. “Left Belvidere and immediately convened a meeting in Decatur to start job creation.”