ELBERTA, Ala. — It isn’t as if Catherine Ruder doesn’t know about stepping up and meeting needs.

The Missouri native, who moved to the area in 1984, has volunteered at the Clothes Closet in Foley, Baldwin County Heritage Museum in Elberta, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 6 in Foley, and holds memberships in American Legion Post 99 in Foley and the Kickler Pippin Post of Veterans of Foreign Wars in Elberta as well.

Thus, it was no surprise that Ruder responded to a flyer she saw while visiting the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola with a friend in 2007. It was an article about U.S. servicemen placed by the Marine Corps League in that city. “Your old cell phone buys phone time for troops,” the ad said.

“I took it from there,” said Ruder recently, who, since 2007, has collected 1,200 old cell phones.

The gist of the cell phone project is that old cell phones are traded for calling cards that enable U.S. troops to stay in touch with family and friends back in the states.

“Help Them Call Home” was a campaign started in 2007 by Jodie Butler of Pensacola, who lost his brother-in-law in Iraq on Dec. 1, 2005.

“This is something I can do,” Ruder said. “I was just hoping that I could make someone’s day a little brighter.”

Now, thanks to the efforts of Ruder and others, American troops have 300,000 calling card minutes resulting from the collection of old cell phones.

Jodie Butler called Ruder recently to tell her he had a certificate for her.

“He informed me there was more than a letter of appreciation; there was a luncheon and the gift of a flag that had flown in Iraq and over Washington, D.C.,” Ruder said.

The luncheon was held March 3 at the National Naval Aviation Museum, where Ruder and other “Help Them Call Home” supporters were recognized.

“Upon receipt of this treasure, I was thrilled to discover the protective case surrounding my flag also included photographs of the flag being flown and the troops who proudly served her,” Ruder said.

Ruder is still collecting cell phones and may be contacted through any of the charitable organizations she serves or by calling 251-987-5141.

Ruder moved to the Alabama Gulf Coast in September 1984 after being encouraged to visit the area by her late husband’s friend.

“They did not like snow and ice and found this to be their true home. The friendly people, the climate and the beautiful scenery make this the place to be,” Ruder said.

“I like it here. They will have to carry me out in a box.”