Verizon Wireless Launches 5th Annual 'Kids In Need Holiday Drive' In Massachusetts

WOBURN, MA — To make the holidays a little brighter for children living in domestic violence shelters, Verizon Wireless is conducting its annual 'Kids In Need Holiday Drive' for the fifth consecutive year at each of its Communications Stores throughout New England. Each store has 'adopted' a local domestic violence shelter in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont, and will collect from the community new, unwrapped toys, games, and books for children ranging in age from infants to teens.

From November 15 through December 15, Verizon Wireless Communications Stores throughout Massachusetts will serve as drop off points for the Kids In Need Holiday Drive. Additionally, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's (MBTA) South Station (200 Summer Street in Boston) is teaming with Verizon Wireless for the second year to collect items for the Kids In Need program from November 28 — December 16 at the terminal in Boston.

Verizon Wireless' chief community relations initiative is domestic violence awareness and prevention. The Kids In Need Holiday Drive is an extension of the company's corporate initiative focused on children -- the most innocent victims of domestic violence. All items collected through Massachusetts-based stores and South Station in Boston will be donated directly to member agencies of Jane Doe, Inc., the Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence.

Television station FOX-25 and radio station WROR (105.7 FM) have also signed on as broadcast sponsors in Massachusetts to help increase awareness of the Kids In Need Holiday Drive.

"Unfortunately there are many children who live in shelters with their mothers, having fled their homes because of domestic abuse. When they flee, most children just have the clothes on their back, often leaving a favorite toy, game or book behind," said Bob Stott, president of the New England region for Verizon Wireless. "As a company we have a long-standing commitment of helping victims of domestic violence. This is one more way we can help-- particularly when agencies serving domestic violence victims tell us they need support this year more than ever."

Verizon Wireless embraces the philosophy of commitment to the community and the workplace. Through its HopeLine® program, the company puts wireless phones, airtime and voice mailboxes to work to combat domestic violence. The company understands that domestic violence is an epidemic that devastates neighbors, friends and co-workers, and dedicates its resources to both the prevention of domestic violence and the life rebuilding process. As a result of HopeLine and related phone recycling programs, Verizon Wireless has collected more than two million phones and donated $8 million in financial grants, phones and services to domestic violence organizations and advocacy groups across the country.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 49.3 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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