Freedom Square, a continuing care community in Seminole, is a drop-off site for Cell Phones for Soldiers: a program that lets soldiers serving overseas connect with their families.
The Cell Phones for Soldiers program collects unused cell phones. Funds from recycled, unused cell phones and cash donations go towards mailing free calling cards to soldiers.
Congressman David Jolly helped kick off the event in Seminole. After a welcoming applause he said, "I actually want to thank you for that applause because I will tell you, it seems all I do in Washington these days is make people mad at me. So it's kind of nice to be home and have such a nice reception."
"Somebody in here certainly can't agree with everything I've done but I can tell you this, we can all agree on supporting those who serve today and those who have served in our veterans community," Jolly added.
Cell Phones for Soldiers sends an average of more than 3,000 calling cards a week.
Michael Mason, executive director of Freedom Square, said the donations are a form of moral support.
"It's important for them to talk about their loved ones, to connect with them. They may be having newborns at home, they need to speak with their loved ones and just to get them moral support that they need from people back at home," he said.
The campaign runs until December 15.
