Verizon Donations for Tsunami Relief Efforts Top $2 Million With Continued Strong Employee Response

NEW YORK -- Verizon employees continue to respond strongly to the company's special disaster relief program to aid the victims of the deadly tsunami, resulting in donations doubling in less than a week to more than $2 million. The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications, is matching employee contributions to the American Red Cross and UNICEF on a 2-to-1 basis through Jan. 31.

As of today, employee gifts totaling about $740,000 were made to the American Red Cross and UNICEF, with a Verizon Foundation match of about $1,470,000, for a total of $2,210,000. Additionally, the foundation last week contributed $50,000 to each of the two organizations, for a combined total of $2,310,000.

Verizon, Verizon Wireless, and SuperPages customers can also now contribute to relief efforts by going online at www.verizon.com, www.verizonwireless.com and www.SuperPages.com.

"Employees continue to respond strongly to disaster relief efforts for the thousands affected by the disaster in South Asia and East Africa," said Patrick R. Gaston, president of the Verizon Foundation. "Customers also now can make donations to the American Red Cross and UNICEF by going online to our Web sites."

Under the Verizon Foundation's Disaster Relief Incentive Program, the company provides matching funds for each employee's contribution of up to $2,500 a year. In addition to the 2-to-1 match for employee contributions to the American Red Cross and UNICEF, the foundation is providing a 1-to-1 match for contributions to other nonprofit organizations assisting with disaster relief efforts. Employees have made donations ranging from $50 to $2,500 since the disaster relief program was announced on Dec. 30.

The Verizon Foundation uses its resources in the United States and abroad to develop partnerships in technology and connect them with organizations serving the needs of diverse communities, people with disabilities, victims of domestic violence, and the economically and socially disadvantaged.

For more information on the foundation, visit www.verizon.com/foundation.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) is one of the world's leading providers of communications services. With a diverse work force of approximately 208,000, Verizon has four business units: Domestic Telecom serves customers based in 29 states with wireline telecommunications services, including broadband, nationwide long-distance and other services. Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 42.1 million voice and data customers across the United States. Information Services operates directory publishing businesses and provides electronic commerce services. International includes wireline and wireless operations and investments, primarily in the Americas and Europe. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

####