Verizon Wireless, The Green Bay Packers And Chad Clifton Team Up To Provide A HopeLine For Domestic Violence Victims

GREEN BAY, WI — Verizon Wireless, the Green Bay Packers and Chad Clifton are teaming up to invite fans to help victims of domestic violence in Wisconsin. A phone collection drive will be held on Sunday, Oct. 29, at Lambeau Field, prior to the Packers' game versus the Arizona Cardinals. Beginning at 9:45 a.m., when the gates open, fans can donate no-longer-used wireless handsets and accessories from any service provider at each of the five Lambeau Field entrances. The wireless equipment will be collected for Verizon Wireless' HopeLine® program.

Through its award-winning HopeLine program, Verizon Wireless collects no-longer-used wireless phones and accessories from any wireless service provider. Most of the donated phones and equipment are refurbished and sold, with proceeds going to support domestic violence awareness and prevention programs, including those in Wisconsin. Any remaining phones are recycled in an environmentally friendly way.

Packers tackle and HopeLine spokesperson Chad Clifton also encourages fans to donate their phones to this worthy cause. "By donating your used wireless phone to the HopeLine program, you truly can make a difference in the lives of thousands of victims here in Wisconsin," says Clifton. "I highly encourage fans to dig through their closets, ask friends and family members for their used phones and accessories, and donate as many phones as possible to the HopeLine program."

"We appreciate the Packers teaming up with us on this very important initiative," says T.J. Fox, president—Illinois/Wisconsin Region, Verizon Wireless. "Packers' fans are the best in the league and I know they will want to help make a difference by donating their phones on Oct. 29."

Since its national recycling program began in October 2001, HopeLine has collected nearly 2.5 million phones-more than 850,000 in 2005 alone-to help those affected by domestic violence. As a result of last year's Packers' HopeLine drive, Verizon Wireless collected more than 300 no-longer-used handsets. "By donating a no-longer-used wireless handset, fans can help provide hope to victims of domestic violence-an epidemic affecting more than 30 percent of American women during their lifetime," added Fox.

As the official wireless provider of the Green Bay Packers and Lambeau Field, Verizon Wireless also has joined forces with the Packers on a second domestic violence prevention initiative, called "Protection is the Name of the Game." Through this program, Verizon Wireless is donating $25 for each point the Packers score during the regular season for distribution to various domestic violence shelters, organizations or programs throughout the state. Since its inception in 2001, the program has raised more than $50,000 for domestic violence shelters and organizations in Wisconsin.

Fans unable to attend the Oct. 29, game can still participate in the phone drive by donating their no-longer-used phones at any Verizon Wireless Communications Store at any time. To find the store closest to you, visit www.verizonwireless.com.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 54.8 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., 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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