Calling All Communities campaign returns

    AUGUSTA – Once again, U.S. Cellular is inviting communities to rally around their favorite school to share $1 million. Ten schools across the country with the most votes will each win $100,000 to use in any way they want in the company’s Calling All Communities campaign.     Between now and Jan. 15, 2010, anyone 18 or older can visit any U.S. Cellular store to receive a code to vote online for their favorite school. Schools of all sizes, public, private, urban and rural, K-12 have a chance to become a Calling All Communities champion.
    “I appreciate this U.S. Cellular program that helps brings schools and communities together to provide more educational resources to children,” said Gov. John E. Baldacci. “U.S. Cellular has proven to be a valued corporate citizen in Maine and we applaud their commitment to the state.”
    The campaign returns at a time when school districts across the country are feeling a greater budget pinch in a slowing economy. According to the American Association of School Administrators, the percentage of schools cutting extracurricular activities almost tripled from 10 percent in 2008-09 to 28 percent for the 2009-2010 school year.
    Last year’s top 10 schools used their winnings in a variety of ways, including rebuilding a storm-damaged gymnasium, upgrading computer labs, building new playgrounds and creating scholarship programs.
    U.S. Cellular shifted its giving strategy last year to helping schools. The company will give more than $5 million to support schools and teachers in 2009 and 2010 through Calling All Communities and Calling All Teachers, which awards $1 million to teachers across the country to fund classroom projects.
    “We’re eager to see the creativity of our local schools as they unite to gather community support,” said Eric Conlon, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in New England. “We expect Maine schools to run strong, competitive campaigns.”
    Visit uscellular.com/callingallcommunities for official rules or to view videos from last year’s campaign.