Christmas may be over, but the giving season is just beginning for a Jackson County postmaster, sending the gift of instant communication to soldiers overseas.

A wall of the Annville Post Office pays tribute to local veterans. One of them is Postmaster Les Williamson, who served in the Navy.

"I remember what it was like to be overseas and miss home, and not be able to call or even write at one point," Williamson said.

So when he heard about a non-profit called "Cell Phones for Soldiers," he contacted the Massachusetts-based organization to get involved. Last week he started collecting used cell phones from people in the community.

"And then I in turn send them to this company up north that redeems them for cell phone cards to send to the troops overseas," Williamson said.

The collection is also a great reason for some of us at WYMT to donate some of our old work phones.

"It is an unbelievable, excellent gift. I think one of the best gifts that we can give, because there's that communication," said Pastor Bob Scholten with the Jackson County Veterans Outreach.

Pastor and Vietnam Vet Bob Scholten is helping Williamson spread the word to people in the area. His reason is also personal.

"I never heard my mom's voice until I got back home," he said.

They know a familiar voice can be a lifeline and as they honor servicemen and women of the past, Williamson says it's the least he can do for today's heroes.

There is no deadline for donating phones, but Williamson hopes to collect at least 1,000 by the end of next year.