MANITOWOC, Wis. (WFRV) - Cellcom has awarded Green Gifts to five local nonprofits in Manitowoc and Sheboygan counties, supporting environmental initiatives funded through its cell phone recycling program. According to a press release emailed from the Manitowoc County Historical Society, $20,984 was distributed to 31 organizations across the region this year. DNR invites Wisconsinites to harvest their own holiday tree from state forests The release states that in Manitowoc County, the Manitowoc County Historical Society received $300 to fund an heirloom garden at Pinecrest Historical Village, enhancing educational experiences for visitors. The Woodland Dunes Nature Center & Preserve, which educates thousands of children about local wildlife, received $450 to support its pond dipping program, allowing families to explore aquatic life in its 1,500-acre preserve. The press release continues to say that the Sheboygan County nonprofits also benefited, including the Sheboygan Senior Community, which received $300 for its Pollinator and People-Friendly Pond Project. Bookworm Gardens, a botanic garden inspired by children's literature, received $500 to restore its vermicomposting exhibit. The Environmental Park Trust of Sheboygan County received $500 to expand a boardwalk at Ellwood H. May Environmental Park, improving access to wetland habitats, according to the Historical Society. Appleton Fire Department kicks off annual “Keep the Wreath Green” holiday safety program Cellcom’s Green Gifts program is funded by the proceeds from recycling old cell phones. Customers and community members are encouraged to bring in their devices to help fund green initiatives, with the company having raised over $624,000 for local charities in the past 21 years.