(2/22) While audiences are usually asked to "please turn off your cell phone during the performance," Gettysburg Stage encourages patrons to donate their old cell phones during the ensemble’s next two productions.

"We’re offering $2 off the regular admission price of $12 for anyone who donates a cell phone at the box office," says Jim Krut, board president of Gettysburg Stage. The phones will be turned over to the organization Cell Phones for Soldiers.

With over 100,000 troops serving overseas and away from their families, Cell Phones for Soldiers and Gettysburg Stage are calling on patrons to support these brave men and women by donating unused cell phones. Cell Phones for Soldiers hopes to collect over 50,000 cell phones to help keep troops connected with their families.

Patrons may donate their old cell phones at the box office and receive $2 off the regular admission for any of Gettysburg Stage’s next two productions, David Mamet’s "The Cryptogram’ (running Feb. 22, 23, 29 and March 1, 7 and 8) or Paula Vogel’s "The Oldest Profession" (running April 18, 19, 25, 26 and May 2, 3).

Gettysburg Stage is located in Keefauver Center, 157 Lefever Street, Gettysburg. Keefauver Center also houses the Manito program and elements of the Adams County Tech Prep program. Reservations may be made by calling 1-866-859-5192 or emailing gettysburgstage@hotmail.com. The website is www.gettysburgstage.org.

"We’re proud to show our support for our soldiers, and to contribute to a worthy cause like Cell Phones for Soldiers," says Krut.

Cell Phones for Soldiers was founded by teenagers Robbie and Brittany Bergquist of Norwell, Mass., with $21 of their own money. Since then, the registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization has raised over $1 million in donations and distributed more than 500,000 prepaid calling cards to soldiers serving overseas.

"We have been overwhelmed by the generous 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 soldiers are sent to the Middle East or are asked to serve extended tours of duty."

The Bergquist family hopes to raise more than $9 million in the next five years to fund new programs, such as providing video phones with prepaid service to allow soldiers abroad to see their families on a regular basis.

The phones are sent to ReCellular, which pays Cell Phones for Soldiers for each donated phone – enough to provide an hour of talk time to soldiers abroad.

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

Gettysburg Stage is a non-profit, 501(c)3 theatre ensemble based in Gettysburg. It was formed in 2003 with help from the Adams County Arts Council.

About Cell Phones for Soldiers:

Cell Phones for Soldiers' goal is to provide every US soldier with a way to call home for free. For more information, please visit www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com