Verizon Wireless Celebrates O'Fallon Store Grand Opening with Contribution to Domestic Violence Agency

O'FALLON, MO — In response to the growing demand for the company's voice and data products and services, Verizon Wireless, the nation's largest wireless service provider, has expanded its presence in the St. Louis area with a new Communications Store in O'Fallon, Mo.

"We continually strive to bring the very best to our customers," said Mark Crumpton, regional president for Verizon Wireless. "I hope that O'Fallon residents and businesses will visit our new store, and allow our sales staff to show them firsthand how they may benefit from our expansive network, and great products and services — like our Express Network, and recently introduced Push to Talk and Picture Messaging capabilities."

The official grand opening celebration of the new Verizon Wireless Communications Store, located at 349 Winding Woods Dr., began at 11 a.m. on Monday, October 6 with a "wire cutting" ceremony. The ceremony was officiated by store manager Hank Belz and staff, along with representatives from the O'Fallon Chamber of Commerce and Alderman Bob Fisher.

Verizon Wireless further celebrated the addition of its O'Fallon store by presenting a $2,000 contribution, and five wireless phones with local airtime to Bridgeway Women's Center, a domestic violence shelter and support service located in St. Charles County.

The primary mission of Bridgeway Women's Center is to provide physical and emotional safety to women and children experiencing domestic violence. With a professional staff and the help of dedicated volunteers, the Center offers a 24-hour hotline (636-946-6854), emergency shelter, group and individual counseling, legal advocacy, children's programs and various outreach services.

"I offer my sincerest 'Thanks' to Verizon Wireless for their generous donation, and for their unwavering commitment to the issue of domestic violence," said Pat Kulik, site director for Bridgeway Women's Center. "Having community support is essential — not just for our domestic violence awareness programs and outreach efforts, but also for the victims we help. It's important for them to know that others care."

Verizon Wireless strongly believes in giving back to the community it serves. Through it's HopeLine^SM initiative, Verizon Wireless since 1995 has donated more than 10,000 wireless phones and airtime, and more than $2.5 million in monetary and other contributions to domestic violence shelters and prevention programs across the country. Customers of any wireless carrier can donate no-longer-used phones, which are then refurbished, recycled and/or sold.

"October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month," said Cheryl Bini, regional community relations manager for Verizon Wireless. "It's a great time to help local victims of violence in the home, and we encourage area residents to stop by our store to donate old wireless phones to this important cause."

In honor of the grand opening, Verizon Wireless will offer a 15 percent discount on wireless-phone accessory bundles priced between $29.98 and $49.98 with a two-year wireless service agreement. In addition, with the America's Choice Unlimited Family Calling Plan, customers can buy one LGVX 3100 handset and get another one free after rebate.

Customers should speak with a Verizon Wireless representative to select the best plan and features to fit their lifestyle. Satisfaction is guaranteed on anything purchased from Verizon Wireless. Customers may try the company's service, and if they are not completely satisfied, they may return equipment within 15 days of purchase and pay only for the services used.

Store hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless is the nation's leading provider of wireless communications. The company has the largest nationwide wireless voice and data network and 34.6 million 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.

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