The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Money

October 29, 2005

Local Cellular One stores donating needed supplies to local schools

By Fred Pace

Local school officials had nothing but praise for a local company that is donating much-needed school supplies to local schools.

“It’s just so rewarding to know that area businesses take an interest in our children and support them,” Fayette County Schools Superintendent Helen Whitehair said. “Children are our future and are the future of business.”

Whitehair says Cellular One is illustrating its commitment to serve local communities.

“These supplies are very much appreciated,” she said. “Many children and families do not have the means in which to purchase some of the needed supplies for school and this will help out.”

Raleigh County Schools officials agree.

“We appreciate the efforts of Cellular One and the community,” Raleigh County Schools Superintendent Charlotte Hutchens said. “There is always a need for contributions such as this.”

Cellular One stores and authorized agents in Raleigh, Fayette, Greenbrier, Mercer, Monroe, Summers, Wyoming and McDowell counties in West Virginia and Tazewell and Bland counties in Virginia offered a free camera phone to new customers who donated school supplies during August and September. During October, those school supplies are being distributed to school boards in those counties.

“We are committed to this community and are always looking for ways to make a difference,” says Rosie Serna, Cellular One’s chief operating officer.

Now, every store and agent will make arrangements to get the supplies to their local school board for distribution to public schools within their county.

“For example, all school supplies donated at Cellular One’s Harper Road and Crossroads Mall stores will be delivered to the Raleigh County Board of Education so that all the donations remain local,” Serna explained. “Similarly, all school supplies received at Cellular One’s Oak Hill store will be donated to the Fayette County Board of Education.”

Cellular One employees said they were pleased to participate.

“We are happy to have the opportunity to contribute to local schools and the children,” said Michelle Birchfield, Cellular One store manager in Oak Hill. “We feel good knowing that some children won’t have to go without the proper supplies this school year.”

Highland Cellular has been operating since 1991 as Cellular One in southern West Virginia and southwestern Virginia. Cellular One is the only locally owned and operated wireless provider in the state.

Highland Cellular offers wireless service in Raleigh, Fayette, Mercer, Summers, Monroe, Greenbrier, Wyoming and McDowell counties in West Virginia, and Tazewell and Bland counties in Virginia. Cellular One provides customer service from its local call center in Beckley.

— E-mail: fpace@register-herald.com

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