Verizon and the National Network to End Domestic Violence Launch Text-to-Donate Campaign to Assist Victims of Domestic Violence

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Sept. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of their ongoing commitment to domestic violence awareness and prevention, Verizon and the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) have launched a text-to-donate program.  The program gives consumers an easy option to support those affected by domestic violence during October, which is national Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Those interested in supporting survivors of domestic violence can text "HOPE" to 41010 to make a one-time, $10 donation to NNEDV, the largest network of coalitions against domestic violence in every state and U.S. territory.  One hundred percent of donations collected through the text-to-donate program will go to NNEDV and its affiliated state domestic violence coalitions.  Verizon will waive its customers' text messaging fees for each donation text, and customers' $10 donations will appear on their next monthly bills.  As part the text-to-donate campaign, HopeLine® from Verizon will also match donations up to a total of $50,000.  

"We are thrilled to partner with Verizon on this exciting campaign, and we are so grateful that HopeLine from Verizon will generously match each donation up to $50,000," said Sue Else, NNEDV's president.  "Texting 'HOPE' to 41010 is a great way to participate in Domestic Violence Awareness Month and support the vital work we're doing every day.  With customers' help, we can do more to serve survivors and ultimately save lives."

Verizon has a longstanding commitment to raising awareness of domestic violence and aiding in its prevention.  Since 2007, the Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon, has awarded more than $15 million in grants to nonprofits that support victims of domestic violence.

In addition, through HopeLine, Verizon's phone recycling program, the company collects no-longer-used wireless phones, batteries and accessories in any condition from any carrier and puts them to work in the community by turning them into support for domestic violence survivors.  Phones collected through HopeLine recycling drives are either refurbished and sold or recycled, and proceeds are donated to organizations that work against domestic violence in the form of cash grants and prepaid Verizon Wireless phones for survivors.  Phones that cannot be refurbished are disposed of in an environmentally sound way.  Consumers can donate their phones at Verizon Wireless Communications Stores nationwide or by mail using the postage-paid mailing label available at www.verizonwireless.com/hopelinemailinglabel.

"Domestic violence is an issue that impacts every community across the country.  Verizon is committed to continuing to raise awareness and to seeking out creative partnerships with organizations such as NNEDV to help break the cycle of violence," said Dan Mead, chief executive officer and president of Verizon Wireless.  "By tapping a few letters on the keypad of a cell phone, everyone has the opportunity to be part of the solution and provide the resources needed to help domestic violence survivors and their families rebuild their lives.  We greatly value our partnership with NNEDV and the incredible work they do and urge the public to take advantage of the text-to-donate campaign."

For additional information on HopeLine from Verizon and for Verizon Wireless Communications Store locations, visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.

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About Verizon

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving more than 92 million customers nationwide.  Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers innovative, seamless business solutions to customers around the world.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon last year generated consolidated revenues of more than $107 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

About NNEDV

NNEDV, a 501(c)(3) organization, is a leading voice for domestic violence victims and their allies.  Its members include the 56 state and territorial coalitions against domestic violence.  It works closely with them to understand the needs of domestic violence victims and advocacy programs.  NNEDV has been a premiere national organization advancing the movement against domestic violence for the past 15 years, after leading efforts among domestic violence advocates and survivors in urging Congress to pass the landmark Violence Against Women Act of 1994.  To learn more about NNEDV, please visit www.nnedv.org.

SOURCE Verizon Wireless