University Of New Mexico Fans Can Help Verizon Wireless Provide A HopeLine For Victims Of Domestic Violence

ALBUQUERQUE, NM — Verizon Wireless, owner and operator of the nation's most reliable wireless network, and the University of New Mexico Lobos are teaming up to invite Lobos fans to help curb domestic violence. Fans attending the Lobos men's basketball game against UTEP on Nov. 26 are invited to donate used wireless phones and accessories to benefit victims of domestic violence through the Verizon Wireless HopeLine® program. HopeLine drop boxes will be located at the northeast entrance of The Pit prior to the start of the game.

Johnny Carino's Italian restaurants will provide a certificate for free dessert valid at its El Paso and New Mexico locations to every fan who drops off a phone at The Pit before the game on Nov. 26.

The Verizon Wireless-University of New Mexico partnership on domestic violence prevention was kicked off in October with a Public Service Announcement (PSA) featuring Lobos head men's basketball coach Ritchie McKay. The PSA has aired at all home men's football games since Oct. 8.

Through the Verizon Wireless HopeLine program, used wireless phones, batteries and accessories from any service provider are recycled, or refurbished and sold. Verizon Wireless uses the proceeds to award grants and to donate wireless phones with prepaid airtime to non-profit human services and law enforcement agencies to aid survivors of domestic violence.

Wireless phones and equipment can be donated to the HopeLine program year-round at any Verizon Wireless Communications Store across the country. For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.  

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.

About HopeLine®
Verizon Wireless encourages customers who are upgrading their wireless phone to participate in its exclusive HopeLine phone-recycling program. The national HopeLine program distributes previously owned wireless phones to victims of domestic violence, supports non-profit domestic violence advocacy groups and provides an environmentally safe method of recycling phones. Donations are accepted at any Verizon Wireless Communications Stores across the country. For additional information, customers can also visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.

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