Verizon Wireless, Upward Bound Team Up To Help Domestic Violence Victims in Indiana

MARION, IN — Marion residents now can make a difference in the lives of domestic violence victims by donating old wireless phones at a new permanent collection site at Indiana Wesleyan University. Verizon Wireless and Upward Bound, a college preparatory program for high school students, have teamed up to sponsor this ongoing collection.

Verizon Wireless' HopeLineSM program collects previously owned wireless phones to benefit domestic violence survivors across the country. The phones are refurbished or recycled and sold, with proceeds used to purchase wireless handsets for victims of domestic violence and for donations to nonprofit advocacy organizations.

"This is our way of giving back to the community and helping those who are less fortunate," said Wayne White, president of Verizon Wireless' Indiana Region. "Donations made to HopeLine will help domestic violence victims in threatening situations go about their day-to-day lives with less fear."

Upward Bound has integrated the HopeLine program into its existing service-learning component, which includes volunteer and community service opportunities.

"I believe in the positive impact that Verizon Wireless' HopeLine program makes on every community it touches," said Nicole Barnett, assistant director of Upward Bound. "It is my hope that Upward Bound can reach out and touch others by giving through this program."

The campus drop-off box is located at 4406 S. Harmon Street.

Also, customers of any wireless carrier may donate phones at any of the more than 1,200 Verizon Wireless Communications Stores across the country.

The company's HopeLine program was created in 1995 to put wireless products and services to work to combat domestic violence. In the past two years alone, Verizon Wireless has donated more than 7,200 wireless phones in addition to airtime and more than $1 million in monetary and other contributions to domestic violence shelters and prevention programs across the country. For more information about HopeLine, customers may call 1-800-426-2790 or visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless is the nation's leading provider of wireless communications. The company has the largest nationwide wireless voice and data network and 32.5 million customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com.

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