Verizon Donates $60,000 To Flood Relief Efforts in Europe

NEW YORK - To help the victims of last week's torrential rains and record-breaking floods in Europe, Verizon Foundation today donated $60,000 to the International Red Cross Relief Fund.

"The damages to the region are catastrophic, and the devastating floods have left tens of thousands in need of support," said Rahul Saxena, group vice president - International, Europe for Verizon. "The gift will help provide needed supplies to families and communities that have been struck by the disaster."

The funds will be earmarked for flood-victim health services, food and other supplies. Verizon has a 24.5 percent investment interest in wireless providers Eurotel Praha in the Czech Republic and in EuroTel Bratislava in the Slovak Republic. The company also holds majority investment in yellow pages publishing operations in Austria, Hungary and the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic.

Verizon Foundation also is encouraging employee donations through the Verizon Volunteers Matching Incentive Program. The Verizon Foundation will match registered employee donations to the International Red Cross Relief Fund on a one-to one basis, up to $2,500 per employee.

"The hearts of Verizon employees go out to everyone affected by this disaster," Saxena said. "We are working together with our affiliates to support government officials in easing the effects of the disaster by communicating critical information, such as emergency telephone numbers via short messaging services (SMS) in the Prague area."

Verizon Foundation

Verizon Foundation supports a variety of programs that focus on improving basic and computer literacy, bridging the digital divide, enriching communities through technology and creating a skilled work force. The foundation promotes partnerships in technology with organizations serving the needs of diverse communities, people with disabilities, and the economically and socially disadvantaged. The foundation also supports Verizon Volunteers, an incentive program that encourages Verizon employees to volunteer in their communities and provides matching gifts to nonprofit organizations. For more information on the foundation, visit www.verizon.com/foundation on the Internet.

Verizon Communications

Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) is one of the world's leading providers of communications services. Verizon companies are the largest providers of wireline and wireless communications in the United States, with 135.1 million access line equivalents and 30.3 million Verizon Wireless customers. Verizon is also the largest directory publisher in the world. With more than $67 billion in annual revenues and approximately 241,000 employees, Verizon's global presence extends to more than 40 countries in the Americas, Europe, Asia and the Pacific. For more information on Verizon, visit ww.verizon.com.

####