The Texas County Food Pantry’s monthly “First Saturday” event on Feb. 2 will feature a twist: In addition to selling used clothes, furniture, and other household items at its thrift store, the Food Pantry is partnering with Life Wireless to offer free cellphone service to eligible low-income customers.
“I’m thrilled that we are able to team up with Life Wireless and help people in this area who otherwise would not be able to afford cellphone service,” said Pantry director Bennie Cook. “In today’s world, having mobile phone service isn’t a luxury, it’s a critical tool that helps people stay connected to potential employers and medical providers, and it enables people to call for help in emergency situations.”
Life Wireless offers subsidized cellphone service through the federal Lifeline program, created during the Reagan administration to ensure that all Americans have access to telephone service and the security and opportunities that it affords. Eligible customers must participate in a government welfare program, such as food stamps or Medicaid, or earn no more than 135-percent of the federal poverty level. There’s a limit of one phone line per household.
“We are proud to be partnering with the Texas County Food Pantry, an organization that has helped so many people in the community,” said Jim Carpenter, a senior vice president with Life Wireless. “By working with groups like the Food Pantry, we are able to fulfill the Lifeline program’s mission of providing telephone service to those most in need.”
Eligible customers receive a basic handset and a monthly calling plan that includes up to 250 minutes. Smart phones are not offered.
For more information about Life Wireless, log onto www.lifewireless.com.
WHAT: First Saturday at the Texas County Food Pantry
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 2
WHERE: Texas County Food Pantry, 102-A East State Route 17, Houston, Mo.
CONTACTS: Bennie Cook: tcfpdirector@centurytel.net; 417-967-4484; Paul Donsky: paul.donsky@fleishman.com; 404-739-0161