Bronx BP Carrion Awarded Verizon Wireless HopeLine Hero Award in New York

BRONX, NY — Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion was honored with the Verizon Wireless HopeLine^SM Award at an event where he received over 100 phones collected by the NYPD School Safety Explorers program for victims of domestic violence.

The HopeLine phone recycling program collects no longer used wireless phones to be refurbished, recycled or sold. Proceeds are donated to domestic violence advocacy groups or used to purchase new phones for victims.

Students, led by Agent Barbara Welch of the NYPD's School Safety Division, presented Borough President Carrion with the phones that they had been collecting since December for victims of domestic violence.

Carrion added: "I am honored to receive the HopeLine Award. I would like to thank Verizon Wireless President Charles Hand, the HopeLine program, and the NYPD School Safety Explorers program for their tireless efforts in helping us combat domestic violence. Domestic violence is having a devastating affect on our residents. These dedicated individuals are fighting for those who often times suffer in silence. These phones will be distributed to victims in the hopes that lives can be saved. I encourage you to continue this most important work and together we can help eradicate this insidious crime."

Charles Hand, president of Verizon Wireless' New York Metro area said "In a world where it's sometimes hard to find the time, money or creativity to help those in need, the HopeLine program offers a simple way for wireless users to get involved and address this complex problem," He continued "Over the years, we've developed HopeLine programs to directly help those affected most by domestic violence — women, families and children. We are encouraged when others — from the Borough President's Office to these young students — get involved and help survivors in the life-rebuilding process."

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 37.5 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.  To receive broadcast-quality video footage of Verizon Wireless operations, log onto www.thenewsmarket.com/verizonwireless.

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