Cheap phone card:

CALLING CARDS FOR TROOPS

Reported and Web Produced by: John Matarese Updated: 02/07/05 17:05:52 Many of us -- to support the troops in Iraq -- are donating phone calling cards, so the soldiers can call loved ones at home. But if youre not careful, that gift could turn out to be a big disappointment. "We adopted a solider, Matt, a year ago, and he's almost a part of the family...." Kim Egan wants to do everything possible to help her adopted soldier in Iraq. But she recently learned that sending him calling cards like those from this machine was not the best idea. "The domestic cards have 20 minutes each, very generous. But when the soldiers used them, they got 5 minutes." The problem with most calling cards sold in stores, like this Bell South card I picked up, is that its not designed for international calls. It says "60 domestic US Minutes" ... but on the back says international rates may vary. Troop support groups say they often provide just a fraction of the listed time. So most groups suggest you buy international calling cards, sold by AT&T and a few other companies. Otherwise, Kim tells us... "You have no idea how this will convert once it goes to Iraq." To learn more about how to donate, call your local veterans groups, recruiting offices or National gGuard. But make sure you send interntional cards, so you dont waste your money. I'm John Matarese.