Verizon Wireless Customers Can Join In Tsunami Relief Efforts By Sending Text Message To "4CARE"

BEDMINSTER, NJ and ATLANTA, GA — In a show of support for survivors of last month's earthquake and tsunami in South Asia, Verizon Wireless is enabling its customers across the United States to join in the relief efforts by donating money to CARE, one of the world's leading humanitarian organizations fighting global poverty.

Beginning today, Verizon Wireless post-pay customers with phones capable of text messaging can use those phones to donate to CARE. To participate, customers can send a message to the address 4CARE (42273) using the key word "gift." They will receive a reply message asking them to confirm a donation to CARE of $5.00 (five dollars). To do so, customers will press "Y" on their keypad, and send that message. Customers wishing to donate more than once can send up to four additional text messages to 4CARE, for a total contribution of $25.00.

The donations will appear on the customer's next monthly bill, and the entire amount of each donation will be provided to CARE, to be used toward CARE's South Asia earthquake and tsunami relief and recovery efforts. Standard text messaging rates apply, and will be donated by Verizon Wireless to CARE when the program is completed in early February.

"CARE has been heartened by the outpouring of support for survivors of the tsunami. This tragedy has underscored the common bond of all humanity," said Peter Bell, CARE president and CEO. "We're grateful to Verizon Wireless, and especially its customers, for their support."

"Verizon Wireless customers send more than 1 billion text messages per month, and we're glad we've put this technology to use for such an important cause," said Denny Strigl, president and CEO of Verizon Wireless. "On behalf of everyone at Verizon Wireless, we're happy to be able to facilitate the giving to CARE."

Donations to CARE under this program are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

The Wireless Giving Association, and m-Qube are providing support to Verizon Wireless for this giving program. The Wireless Giving Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing new fundraising techniques for charities. m-Qube enables world class companies to build a mobile channel by providing a single interface for connectivity, content management expertise, application development, monitoring, billing and cross carrier transport.

Verizon Wireless employees are also participating in disaster relief efforts by giving through the Verizon Foundation. Contributions to either the American Red Cross or UNICEF are being matched 2-to-1 by the Verizon Foundation through Jan. 31. As of Jan. 10, all Verizon employees have raised more than $2.5 million.

About CARE
CARE is one of the world's leading humanitarian organizations fighting global poverty. In 72 developing countries, CARE helps poor communities create lasting solutions to their most threatening problems. CARE's integrated projects include emergency relief, community rehabilitation and longer-term projects in areas such as education, health and small-business development. For more information please visit, www.careusa.org.  

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 42.1 million voice and data 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 preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.  

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