Verizon Wireless Hosts North Carolina Community Blood Drive When Supply Levels Are Dangerously Low

GREENSBORO, NC — Verizon Wireless is sponsoring a "Give a Pint, Get a Pint" blood drive on July 15, 2005 from 2:00 pm until 6:30 pm at the Verizon Wireless store located at 4203 West Wendover Avenue, Greensboro, NC. Donors who give will receive a free pint of Cold Stone Creamery ice cream and will also have an opportunity to enter a drawing for a chance to win American Idol concert tickets.

"We are excited about this opportunity to support the American Red Cross," said Rebecca Simmons, Assistant Store Manager, Verizon Wireless. "This is our store's second blood drive, and we look forward to making this an annual event by which our Verizon Wireless representatives, our customers and the community can join together to impact our local blood bank."

The American Red Cross, South East Region, typically supplies over 2,000 units (pints) of blood per day. However, these numbers have decreased during the summer months, resulting in a heightened need for more blood donations. With less than a half-day supply of blood available in their blood bank, the Greensboro Chapter is in a state of emergency.

"Now more than ever, blood donations have become overwhelmingly important as blood shortages continue to increase," said Beverly Melvin, Assistant Director, Blood Services, American Red Cross, Greensboro Chapter.

"We are facing a state of emergency and encourage everyone to come out and 'Give a Pint.'"

"As a volunteer organization, the American Red Cross relies on the good nature and humanitarianism of individuals, organizations and businesses like Verizon Wireless, who use their resources to support our mission," adds Melvin.

For more information about this blood drive, contact Rebecca Simmons at 336-851-6700.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 45.5 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.  

About American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers that provide relief to victims of disasters and help prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.

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