Spring-Cleaning Drive For Old Wireless Phones To Benefit Domestic Violence Survivors And Combat Hunger In Metro Detroit, Michigan

SOUTHFIELD, MI — As spring cleaning season approaches, Verizon Wireless encourages metro Detroiters to help domestic violence survivors and combat hunger by donating no-longer-used wireless phones and accessories to the company's HopeLine^SM program.

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

In addition to helping domestic violence survivors, individuals who donate phones to HopeLine will help combat hunger in metro Detroit because Verizon Wireless will contribute $10 to Gleaners Community Food Bank for each phone they donate during the month of April. Individuals may drop off equipment-in any condition and from any wireless provider-at any of Verizon Wireless' 21 Communications Stores across southeastern Michigan and at any of Gleaners' four warehouses in Detroit, Howell, Taylor and Warren.

"It's that time of year again to clean off the shelves, empty out the drawers and tidy up the closets," said Greg Haller, president of Verizon Wireless' Michigan/Indiana/Kentucky Region. "As metro Detroiters get knee-deep into their spring cleaning, we encourage them to donate their no-longer-used wireless equipment to Verizon Wireless' HopeLine program. Their contributions will benefit domestic violence survivors, help preserve the environment and combat hunger in our communities when we contribute $10 to Gleaners for each of their phone donations."

In 2004, consumers throughout the United States donated more than 1.6 million phones to HopeLine, more than doubling the number from the previous year, and bringing the number of phones collected since 2001 to more than 3 million.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 43.8 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, 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.

About HopeLine
Verizon Wireless, a recognized corporate leader in the fight against domestic violence, works to combat domestic violence and raise awareness of the issue through the company's HopeLine program. Marking its 10th year in 2005, HopeLine today collects wireless phones and accessories from any wireless service provider, and then refurbishes the phones or recycles them in an environmentally friendly way. Proceeds from the HopeLine program benefit victims of domestic violence and non-profit advocacy agencies, providing essential communication tools of wireless phones and wireless services, and financial grants. Phone donations are accepted at all 1,200-plus Verizon Wireless Stores across the country. For additional information, please visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.

About Gleaners
Since 1977, Gleaners Community Food Bank has been nourishing communities by feeding hungry people. This is done by securing surplus food for less fortunate members of the community from farmers, grocery retailers, food distributors and processors that would otherwise go to waste. Gleaners Community Food Bank distributes nearly 2 million pounds of food monthly to more than 300 agencies, which are direct providers of nutritious meals to hungry citizens in Southeast Michigan. Over 65,000 meals are served by these agencies each day and the need is growing. More support is needed to feed hungry people. Who are the hungry? 59% of those served are children and seniors. The hungry are also the disabled, working poor, and those experiencing an emergency or crisis. For additional information, please visit www.gcfb.org.

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