More than 150,000 troops are serving overseas far from their families.

Two groups - Cell Phones for Soldiers and locally-based Blue Star Mothers of the Canyons - are calling on all Americans to support these brave men and women by donating their unused cell phones to help keep troops connected with their families.

"We're asking Americans to make a small sacrifice of support by donating their unused cell phones, providing families with a much-needed connection to their loved ones overseas."

Cell Phones for Soldiers was created by Brittany and Robbie Bergquist of Norwell, MA. After reading a story about a soldier who ran up a huge phone bill calling home from Iraq, these two teenagers decided to help out.

They started by opening an account with $21.00 of their own money. They are collecting cash donations and old cell phones. The cell phones are recycled for cash to purchase calling cards - enough to provide an hour of talk time to soldiers abroad.

Cell Phones For Soldiers is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Their efforts have motivated people and businesses around the country to donate to this worthy cause. Their goal is to provide every US soldier with a way to call home for free.

For more information, please visit www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com.

Through increased fundraising efforts, working with organizations like Blue Star Mothers of the Canyons, the Bergquist family hopes to raise more than $9 million in the next five years to fund new programs, such as providing video phones and prepaid service to allow soldiers abroad to see their families on a regular basis.

"We're proud to show our support for our U.S. troops, and to contribute to a worthy cause like Cell Phones for Soldiers," said Debi Duke of Blue Star Mothers of the Canyons and SSG Williamson of the Santa Clarita Army Recruiting Office.

Local residents can support the collection drive by donating their unused cell phones at the Armed Forces Career Center - Army, 21515 Soledad Canyon Road, Suite 107, Canyon Country.

Hours are 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays. For your convenience, there is a mail slot for after-hours drop-off.

Blue Star Mothers of the Canyons is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

For more information, please contact bluestarcanyons@yahoo.com or call 661-253-0811.