Fiorano Tile Teams Up With “Cell Phones For Soldiers”, Kick Off Long Island Collection Campaign

Sept. 15, 2010 - PRLog -- Norwell, MA (PRWEB) September 13, 2010

More than 150,000 troops are serving overseas and are away from their families. Cell Phones for Soldiers, and Fiorano Tile Showrooms, of Elmont, Williston Park and Bellmore NY, are calling on all Americans to support for these brave men and women by donating your unused cell phones. Cell Phones for Soldiers hopes to collect over 1 Million cell phones this year to help keep troops connected with their families.

“Over the past few years, we have been amazed by the generosity of others. But, we have also seen the need to support our troops continue.” says Brittany Bergquist, Cell Phones for Soldiers co-founder. “It is easy for Americans to make a small sacrifice of support by donating their unused cell phones, and providing families with a much-needed connection to their loved ones overseas.”
Local residents can support the collection drive by donating their phones at any FIORANO location, including:


Fiorano Design Center: 1400 Hempstead Tpk, Elmont NY 11003 (516) 354-8453
Fiorano Tile Gallery: 32 Hillside Ave, Williston Park, NY 11596 (516) 747-9001
Fiorano Tile Showcase: 2780 Merrick Rd. Bellmore NY 11710 (516) 221-3990

“We’re proud to show our support for U.S. soldiers, and to contribute to a worthy cause like Cell Phones for Soldiers,” says John Tudisco, VP Sales at Fiorano Tile, a family owned and operated tile importer and retailer, serving NY for over 32 years.

Cell Phones for Soldiers was founded by teenagers Robbie and Brittany Bergquist from Norwell, Mass., with $21 of their own money. Since then, the registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization has raised millions of dollars in donations and distributed millions of prepaid calling cards to soldiers serving overseas.

“We are continuously overwhelmed by the enthusiastic support of thousands of Americans who have helped our troops speak with their loved ones,” says the teens’ father, Bob Bergquist. “However, the need for support keeps growing as more troops are sent to the Middle East or are asked to serve extended tours of duty.”

Through increased fundraising efforts, the Bergquist family hopes to raise more than $10 million in the next five years to fund new programs, such as providing video phones and prepaid service to allow troops abroad to see their families on a regular basis.

The donated phones are sent to ReCellular, which pays Cell Phones for Soldiers for each phone – the money is used to purchase prepaid calling cards which are sent to troops.

Approximately half of the phones ReCellular processes are reconditioned and resold to wholesale companies in over 40 countries around the world. Phones and components that cannot be refurbished are dismantled and recycled to reclaim materials, including:


Gold, silver and platinum from circuit boards
Copper wiring from phone chargers
Nickel, iron, cadmium and lead from battery packs
Plastic from phone cases and accessories

About Fiorano Tile Showrooms:
With showrooms in Elmont, Williston Park and Bellmore, Fiorano is New York’s favorite source for tile and stone. Fiorano is family owned and operated and offers high quality products for residential and commercial use. Fiorano offers ceramic, porcelain, glass, metal, and natural stone tile, primarily sourced from Italy and US studios. Fiorano Tile can be found on facebook, as well: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fiorano-Tile-Showrooms/73148715859?ref=ts

PRESS CONTACT:
Name: John Tudisco
Phone: 516-538-4410
E-Mail: john(at)fioranotile(dot)com
Web: www.fioranotile.com

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Fiorano Group USA operates three NY retail showrooms, Fiorano has been family owned and operated by the Tudisco family for over 32 years. Founded by Jack Tudisco and Sandy Tudisco, and now operated by second generation: Joseph Tudisco, Jerry Tudisco & John Tudisco. Locations in Elmont, Williston Park, Bellmore.