Rochester, NY, August 13, 2024 – Technology expense management leader Calero recently announced a new partnership with Cell Phones for Soldiers, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing free communications solutions to veterans in need. The partnership has the potential to connect as many as 1.5 million at-risk veterans with the technology they need to find dignified employment and stable living accommodations.
More than 62,000,000 metric tons of mobile phones and devices are sent to landfills worldwide each year, according to Reuters. Many of these devices can be refurbished and put to good use. Many organizations would prefer their used devices not enter the waste steam but lack an easy and affordable way to securely dispose of them. Cell Phones for Soldier and Calero have provided a way for organizations to donate phones with just a few clicks.
Cell Phones for Soldiers needs device and/or monetary donations to grow their ambitious new program. The pilot program, coordinated with leading Pennsylvania veterans service organizations, seeks to get an entry-level smart phone with 12 months of service into the hands of 1,000 veterans. These phones will provide a critical connection to services, their families, and the community. When the pilot is successful, Cell Phones for Soldiers plans to rapidly expand the program nationwide. Ultimately, the supply of phones and donations available will determine how many veterans can be served.
Calero will support the program by offering an easy pipeline to over 3,000 clients to donate used phones that otherwise would be destroyed or re-sold at minimal prices. These customers could reap a tax benefit for each device donated and receive a badge for their website highlighting their participation in the program.
“Innovation – finding a problem in the world and developing your own solution – is our passion and mission,” says Scott Gilbert, Chief Executive Officer at Calero. “Cell Phones for Soldiers is a natural partner for us, because they share the desire to kick down doors, overcome obstacles, and make a difference. We’re excited to open our network to them and help them rapidly expand and serve more of America’s heroes.”
“For over 20 years, we’ve been connecting America’s bravest,” says Cell Phones for Soldiers Founder Rob Bergquist. “We’ve already provided emergency funds for over 7,500 veterans in crisis, recycled 25 million devices, and saved 1.725 billion kilograms of carbon from reaching the atmosphere. This partnership with Calero continues to expand our ability to help veterans connect to world many people take for granted.”
To learn more about Calero’s offerings, please visit calero.com. To find out more about Cell Phones for Soldiers, please visit www.cellphonesforsoliders.com.
About Calero
Calero is the leading Technology Expense Management provider, managing over $25 billion in spend worldwide for thousands of organizations in 102 countries. With a deep commitment to innovation and customer success, Calero partners with organizations to provide a modernized, centralized technology expense management solution that supports Telecom Expense Management, Mobile Expense Management, Managed Mobility Services, and SaaS Management. Calero is the industry leader in initiatives that solve pervasive market problems and continues to be recognized by industry analysts for award-winning achievements. The company is committed to serving customers with innovative solutions that provide visibility, control, and optimization of their entire technology ecosystem.
About Cell Phones for Soldiers
Cell Phones For Soldiers is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides free communications solutions to veterans in need, giving them a hand up so they can connect with and access VA, local, and family resources. Cell Phones For Soldiers is celebrating twenty years of Connecting America’s Bravest and has proven itself to be a leader in organizational management and dedicating the vast majority of its donations directly to the programs providing this service. As a matter of scale, Cell Phones For Soldiers has provided emergency funds for over 7,500 veterans in crisis, recycled 25 million devices, provided over 400 million minutes of talk time, and saved 1.725 BLLION kilograms of CO2 from polluting our planet. They are an industry leader in providing earth-friendly solutions and giving back to those who served us first.