Verizon Wireless Teams Up With The New York Yankees To Combat Domestic Violence On September 21

BRONX, NY — Verizon Wireless will collect no-longer-used wireless phones, batteries and accessories to benefit domestic violence survivors at Yankee Stadium on Friday, September 21st when the New York Yankees play the Toronto Blue Jays.

Fans are encouraged to bring no-longer-used cellphones, batteries and accessories to donate to the Verizon Wireless HopeLine^® phone recycling program. HopeLine collection boxes will be located outside Gates 4 and 6 and inside the stadium on the Loge Level, Section 10.

"Raising awareness about domestic violence is a cause I am proud to support," said New York Yankees manager Joe Torre. "To involve two first class organizations like the New York Yankees and Verizon Wireless will only help highlight the importance of educating and informing the public about an issue that affects so many of us."

A recognized corporate leader for its commitment to preventing domestic violence and raising awareness of the issue, Verizon Wireless was the first wireless carrier in the nation to collect and recycle old cellphones and has done so since January 1999 — first in New York and then across the U.S. The wireless equipment is refurbished or recycled in an environmentally friendly manner and the proceeds benefit domestic violence survivors.

"In 2006, there were 71 family-related homicides in New York City," said Charles Hand, president of Verizon Wireless' New York Metro region. "New Yorkers recognize the devastating impact domestic violence can have on families and HopeLine provides a way for all of us to help. By simply donating an old, unused wireless phone, Yankee fans have the opportunity to help victims become survivors."

Nationally, Verizon Wireless HopeLine has collected more than 4 million wireless phones, and awarded nearly $4 million in cash grants and more than 40,000 phones with airtime to domestic violence agencies and organizations. Locally, HopeLine's direct and in-kind donations total more than $650,000 including more than $150,000 to the New York City Family Justice Center Initiative.

In addition to a successful phone recycling program and funding for non-profit domestic violence organizations, HopeLine includes free wireless service and voice mailboxes for survivor, community and corporate awareness initiatives, and a bilingual "Invest In Yourself" program designed to help survivors re-enter the workforce.

Donations also are accepted at all Verizon Wireless Communications Stores in the New York Metro area and throughout the country. For store locations and additional information, visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.  

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 62.1 million customers. The largest U.S. wireless company and largest wireless data provider, based on revenues, Verizon Wireless is headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 67,000 employees nationwide. The company 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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