The annual Cell Phones for Soldiers collection drive is underway at three locations in St. Lawrence County.

For every donated phone valued at $5, Cell Phones For Soldiers is able to provide 2 ½ hours of free talk time to deployed troops via calling cards. All proceeds from the recycled devices will be used to buy long distance calling cards for troops at home and abroad.

The collection drive runs through Sunday, Dec. 9. Ggently used and unwanted cell phones and/or tablets can be dropped off at collection bins in AT&T stores throughout the region and at Sergi’s Italian Restaurant, 10 Market St., Potsdam; Town of Potsdam offices, 18 Market St., Potsdam or the Massena Public Library, 41 Glenn St, Massena.

This is the fifth year that the drive has taken place.

To prepare your mobile phone for donation here are some tips on how to erase all personal information that may be stored on it to protect your privacy: Remove your phone's SIM card Erase your address book, photos, messages and other stored information; restore the device factory settings on your device; for instructions on how to do this, go to owner's manual or to the manufacturers' web site.

For more information on Cell Phones For Soldiers, visit www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com.