American Organizations Hear The Call On Domestic Violence

BEDMINSTER, NJ — Domestic violence claims at least eight million workdays each year, or the equivalent of 32,000 full-time jobs, according to a recent study on violence against women. Many corporations and other organizations are teaming up with Verizon Wireless to help prevent domestic violence and raise awareness of this issue by organizing and sponsoring HopeLine® wireless phone drives. HopeLine is Verizon Wireless' long-running program that puts wireless products and services to work for victims and survivors of domestic violence and the agencies and organizations that support them.

Together with these organizations Verizon Wireless has collected thousands of no-longer-used wireless phones. Through the HopeLine program, the phones are either recycled in an environmentally safe way or refurbished and sold with proceeds benefiting victims of domestic violence and non-profit advocacy agencies.

Among the organizations that have held wireless phone drives in 2005 include:

• Government Agencies:
• Maryland Attorney General's Office 
• District Attorney's Office of Riverside County, California
• Large Corporations: 
• GE
• Canon U.S.A., Inc.
• Fuji Photo Film
• GMAC Commercial Mortgage Corporation
• Professional Sports Teams:
• Arizona Diamondbacks
• Green Bay Packers
• Seattle Mariners
• Portland Trail Blazers

"Domestic violence is an issue that touches every business, every community and far too many individuals in ways big and small. Verizon Wireless has made raising awareness of the issue one of our goals, and we're grateful that other organizations have chosen to join us in this effort," said Denny Strigl, president and CEO of Verizon Wireless. "The support of all of these companies, teams and other groups helps HopeLine provide essential communication tools for victims which serve as vital links to emergency or support services in times of crisis or simply as a private, safe connection to employers, family and friends."

"We recognize that domestic violence does not just affect a victims' home life, it can also impact productivity and performance on the job," said Jean Collier, manager of volunteerism at General Electric. "The Verizon Wireless HopeLine program continues to stand out as the leading wireless phone recycling program in the industry and we are proud to join the efforts to help combat domestic violence and address workplace issues associated with it."

While assisting the victims of domestic violence, these corporations are also making a commitment to help protect the environment through the environmentally safe and responsible recycling of wireless phones and equipment. Through HopeLine's recycling efforts to date, more than 200 tons of electronics waste and batteries have been kept out of landfills.

Organizations interested in holding HopeLine collection events or drives should contact Debra Lewis at Debra.Lewis@VerizonWireless.com.  

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 47.4 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 HopeLine®
Marking its 10th year in 2005, the Verizon Wireless HopeLine program today collects wireless phones and accessories from any wireless service provider which are recycled in an environmentally safe way or refurbished and sold. Proceeds from HopeLine benefit domestic violence agencies, often providing victims with essential communication tools — wireless phones and wireless services, including voicemail and pre-paid wireless minutes. Donations are accepted at all Verizon Wireless Communications Stores across the country. For additional information, please visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.  

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