Verizon Wireless And Family Violence Prevention Services Partner To Support Children's Program In San Antonio, Texas

SAN ANTONIO, TX — Verizon Wireless, a recognized corporate leader in the fight against domestic violence, has partnered with Family Violence Prevention Services (FVPS) of San Antonio to kick off the Verizon Wireless HopeLine^SM Phone Recycling Drive to benefit local victims of domestic violence. From March 21 through April 2, residents can visit a local Verizon Wireless Communications Store to donate used wireless phones and accessories, regardless of service provider, make, model or technology. Verizon Wireless will pledge $10 towards each wireless phone donated to benefit the FVPS Battered Women's Shelter Children's Program.

"It is clear that Verizon Wireless understands the need to prevent domestic violence and to participate in our efforts to rebuild the lives of its victims here in San Antonio," said Marta Pelaez, President and CEO of Family Violence Prevention Services, Inc. "It is wonderful to have Verizon Wireless be a generous corporate partner in our fight against domestic violence."

The FVPS Battered Women's Shelter is a full service program that provides counseling and support for women, children and families who are victims of family violence. Annually, two-thirds of the shelter population is comprised of children ranging in age from birth to 17 years old. FVPS Children's Program accommodates the complex needs of these children by restoring children's self-esteem, confidence and their rightful expectation to be loved. In 2004 alone, FVPS served 72,147 meals to 866 women and 1,236 children.

"Verizon Wireless has a strong community focus on education and prevention of domestic violence and our partnership with Family Violence Prevention Services will help numerous families in San Antonio," said Luis M. Cruz, region president for Verizon Wireless. "Local residents can truly make a difference for victims of domestic violence by simply donating their used wireless phones from any wireless carrier."

Through its HopeLine program, Verizon Wireless has put wireless products and services to work to prevent domestic violence. Last year alone, Verizon Wireless donated more than $3.7 million in monetary and other contributions to domestic violence shelters and prevention programs across the country.

To donate a used wireless phone between March 21 and April 2, visit one of the following local Verizon Wireless Communications Stores in San Antonio:

• Bandera Pointe, 11619 Bandera Road, Suite 109, (210) 682-8266
• Northwoods, 1742 North Loop 1604 E, Suite 121, (210) 403-2922
• The Quarry, 255 E. Basse #1530, (210) 308-8008
• Ingram Park Mall, 6301 N. Loop 410 Ste S-7, Ingram Park Mall, (210) 523-9594
• Rolling Oaks Mall, 6909 N. Loop 1604 E. k-i-08, Rolling Oaks Mall, (210) 651-4072
• Huebner, 11075 IH - 10 West, Suite 301, (210) 641-6900
• South Park Mall, 2310 SW Military Dr. Space 502, South Park Mall, (210) 924-4909
• Olympia Forum, 8143 Agora Parkway, (210) 658- 9708
• Circuit City Northstar, 321 NW Loop 410, (210) 979-6626
• Circuit City Windsor Park, 8540 Four Winds Drive, (210) 646-7117
• Circuit City Exchange Plaza, 5819 Northwest Loop 410, (210) 522-1215

About HopeLine
Verizon Wireless, a recognized corporate leader in the fight against domestic violence, works to prevent domestic violence and raise awareness of the issue through the company's HopeLine program. Marking its 10th anniversary in 2005, HopeLine today collects wireless phones and accessories from any wireless service provider then refurbishes and sells or recycles them in an environmentally friendly way. Proceeds from the HopeLine program benefit victims of domestic violence, providing financial support and essential communication tools such wireless phones and wireless services, including voicemail and pre-paid wireless minutes. Donations are accepted at any Verizon Wireless Communications Stores across the country. For additional information, please visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.  

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 43.8 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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