Verizon Plus Store Joins Verizon Wireless to Collect Wireless Phones to Benefit Victims of Domestic Violence

ERIE, Pa. - The Verizon Plus retail store in downtown Erie recently joined forces with Verizon Wireless in an effort to put used wireless phones to good use in helping victims of domestic violence.

The store, located at 20 E. 10th St., now is a collection point for individuals and businesses to drop off the phones, which will be recycled through the Verizon Wireless HopeLine^® Program, with proceeds going to support domestic violence awareness and prevention programs.

"The Verizon Plus store offers a convenient location and easy way for people to donate used wireless phones they no longer need," said Barbara Freson, store manager. "HopeLine uses the funds generated from these donations to assist in domestic violence prevention and the life-rebuilding process for survivors."

Through HopeLine, the company collects no-longer-used wireless handsets and equipment from any vendor. Most of the donated handsets 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 safe way.

A HopeLine phone-recycling box is available within the store for phone drop-offs. Since the Verizon Plus store also is an authorized Verizon Wireless dealer, customers easily can purchase new phones, have data transferred from their old phones to their new ones, and donate the old ones right on the spot. The store's hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

"We'd be glad to accept bulk donations from any businesses upgrading phones for their employees," said Freson.

Marking its 11th year, the award-winning HopeLine program puts wireless products and services to work to combat domestic violence and raise awareness of the issue. In 2005, HopeLine collected nearly 700,000 wireless phones nationwide and delivered more than $550,000 in grants to domestic violence organizations. Last year in Pennsylvania, Verizon Wireless donated more than $55,000 and hundreds of handsets with free airtime to domestic violence organizations across the state.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 49.3 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 receive 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.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), a Dow 30 company, is a leader in delivering broadband and other communication innovations to wireline and wireless customers. Verizon operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving 49.3 million customers nationwide; one of the most expansive wholly-owned global IP networks; and one of the nation's premier wireline networks, serving home, business and wholesale customers. Based in New York, Verizon has a diverse workforce of approximately 250,000 and generates annual consolidated operating revenues of approximately $90 billion. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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