Verizon Wireless and Green Bay Packers Tackle Domestic Violence Through Phone Collection Program

MILWAUKEE, WI — Verizon Wireless, the nation's largest wireless provider, and the Green Bay Packers are throwing a Hopeline^SM to victims of domestic violence in Wisconsin at the Sunday, October 12, game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Prior to the game, used wireless phones and accessories will be collected for the Verizon Wireless HopeLine program at all five Lambeau Field gate entrances. The phone collection will begin at 10 a.m. and will last until game time.

Through the Verizon Wireless HopeLine program, used wireless handsets, batteries and accessories from any wireless company are collected, refurbished, recycled, and/or sold. Proceeds are donated to non-profit domestic violence advocacy organizations and used to purchase handsets for domestic violence victims, including those throughout Wisconsin.

This is the second year a Hopeline collection has been held at Lambeau Field. Last year, the drive resulted in the collection of more than 300 phones.

"Last year our fans truly made a difference for domestic violence victims by bringing hundreds of old phones to Lambeau Field," said Bob Harlan, president of the Green Bay Packers. "We're counting on them to bring in phones this year, too. We have the best fans in the league. I know they want to help support a great cause and provide a lifeline to domestic violence victims in their community."

The October 12 phone drive at Lambeau Field is being held in connection with National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

"We appreciate the Packers teaming up with us on this important initiative," said Tracy Nolan, region president of Verizon Wireless. "At Verizon Wireless, we continue to be humbled by the strength of domestic violence survivors and proud to provide them with resources that can help them rebuild their lives."

The company's Hopeline program was created in 1995 to put wireless products and services to work to combat domestic violence. Since Hopeline was started, Verizon Wireless has collected more than 1.2 million used wireless phones for the benefit of domestic violence victims and advocacy groups. From January through June 2003, Verizon Wireless donated over $1.5 million in monetary contributions to domestic violence shelters and prevention programs across the country.

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 34.6 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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