Verizon Wireless Backs 'Stop Family Violence' Postage Stamp

WALLINGFORD, CT — Verizon Wireless, the nation's largest wireless service provider and a strong supporter of initiatives to help victims of domestic violence, continues its commitment to this important cause as October's Domestic Violence Awareness Month comes to a close.

By funding the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence' unveiling of the U.S. Postal Service's STOP FAMILY VIOLENCE fundraising stamp this month, Verizon Wireless hopes to gain additional support as the holiday season approaches and consumers send holiday greeting cards to friends and family. When you purchase the special-edition STOP FAMILY VIOLENCE postage stamps at forty-five cents, eight cents from each stamp is forwarded from the U.S. Postal Service to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Nationwide, these extra pennies add up to "millions of dollars" according to Leigh Piscitelli of the United States Postal Service of Connecticut in New Haven.

In addition to purchasing the STOP FAMILY VIOLENCE postage stamp at any Post Office, people can join with Verizon Wireless to help victims of domestic violence by donating no-longer-used cell phones to the company's HopeLine program. Phones (any carrier, working or not) are refurbished or sold for parts, with proceeds (working phones and cash) going to advocacy groups, shelters and women who need a secure line of communication in emergency situations. Donated phones can be dropped off at any Verizon Wireless Communication store. This year, Verizon wireless partnered with GE Elfun Volunteers and collected more than 5,000 phones nationwide from GE employees throughout the country for the benefit of HopeLine.

Through Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Wireless, the company donated more than $100,000 this year to various Connecticut organizations that help victims of domestic violence. The funds helped to acquire necessary computer tools and training to help get women back into the workforce to achieve financial independence. This is a critical step to help women leave abusive relationships. Funds also will be used, through the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, to train specialists who work with Connecticut children who have experienced or witnessed violence in their homes.

"Domestic violence gets additional media attention in October, but we need to remind people that domestic violence occurs all year, in all types of neighborhoods and all socioeconomic environments," said Bob Stott, Verizon Wireless President of the New England region.

Starting November 15, all Verizon Wireless Communication Stores throughout Connecticut will also be accepting new unwrapped toys, games and books for children (infants through teens) as part of the annual KIDS IN NEED holiday drive.

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 36 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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