Holiday Party At Queens Shelter A Gift From Verizon Wireless Employees

NEW YORK, NY — Fifty youngsters at Queens Oasis, an emergency shelter for women and children touched by domestic violence, will enjoy some holiday cheer and goodwill tomorrow (December 21, 2001) at a party sponsored by Verizon Wireless employees.

Through office book and bake sales, employees at the company's Orangeburg, NY, offices raised more than $1,700, enough to provide food, entertainment and gifts for the 50 children who call the shelter home. The company also provided families with tickets to see "A Christmas Carol" at Madison Square Garden.

"To give these children just a few hours with their moms to enjoy the spirit of the season is a great gift," said Allegra Perhaes, executive director of Safe Horizon, the agency that oversees the Queens shelter and others in New York City. "We can provide the children with a bed and a meal, but this party gives them something more; it gives them something good to remember."

Domestic violence prevention and education is Verizon Wireless' chief community focus, according to Charles Hand, president of the company's New York Metro Region. "Our employees realize the greatest gift is the gift of giving," said Hand. "We also understand one fun evening won't erase the wounds these kids have suffered, but it's our hope that we can make a difference for them this holiday season, regardless of how small."

Verizon Wireless is a corporate leader in the fight against domestic violence. Since 1995, through its HopeLine^SM community service program, the company has donated or recycled more than 45,000 phones in the New York Metro area for use by victims of domestic violence who may need to call for help in an emergency.

Editor's Note: Interviews with residents or directors at Safe Horizon may be arranged upon request.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless is the largest wireless communications provider in the U.S. with more than 28.7 million wireless voice and data customers. The coast-to-coast wireless provider was formed by the combination of the U.S. wireless businesses of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Verizon Wireless has a footprint covering more than 90 percent of the U.S. population, 49 of the top 50 and 97 of the top 100 U.S. markets. The company, headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, is 40,000 employees strong. Reporters and editors can find more information about the company on the Web at http://www.verizonwireless.com.

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