Sangamon Sun

State Sen. Doris Turner (D-Decatur) is pushing a plan that aims to make sure soldiers stay connected this 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 urging residents to donate cell phones for soldiers to use. “This is a great program that allows our troops to stay connected to their families during the holiday seasons and beyond.”

As part of a national Cell Phones for Soldiers program, Turner is working to collect new and gently used cell phones and tablets for members of the armed forces and their families.

“People with old cellphones, MP3 players or tablets laying around are encouraged to donate them to be refurbished or recycled,” she said 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 donations being tax deductible, contributions can be left at Turner’s Decatur office at 1210 S. Jasper St. or her Carlinville office at 130 East Main St. Suite B 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 also recently joined Gov. J.B. Pritzker at the signing of the administration’s 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.”