Family Literacy Network of East Madison, Lapham Elementary School Receive Books From Verizon's Season's Readings Program

MADISON, Wis. - The Family Literacy Network of East Madison and Lapham Elementary School will receive 176 books Verizon employees collected during December. The collection is part of Season's Readings, Verizon's fifth annual national book drive and reading campaign conducted at company sites across the nation.

Since 2001, Verizon employees nationwide have donated almost 2 million books to some 3,500 schools, libraries and nonprofits and pledged more than 250,000 of hours of reading time.

"We are inspired by this effort because getting books into the hands of children is a critical factor in building lifelong learners," said National Center for Family Literacy President and founder Sharon Darling. "NCFL work with Verizon has empowered our efforts to reach volunteers and make a lasting impact on the nation's literacy levels."

Kate Ludlum, coordinator-resource management for Verizon in Sun Prairie, who ran the local Season's Readings campaign, said, "Having access to reading materials is essential to developing literacy skills. Our employees recognize that need and through Season's Readings we can help children begin the adventure of reading."

To promote the importance of reading to children, Verizon once again partnered with the NCFL to develop a list of tips for reading and a list of 15 children's books that are excellent for year-round reading. Information about NCFL's lists and tips are available at www.verizonreads.net.

Season's Readings is part of Verizon's overall commitment to leading the effort to increase literacy levels.

The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications, last year awarded grants totaling more than $74 million to charitable and nonprofit agencies with a focus on improving literacy, computer and technology skills, and supporting domestic violence solutions.

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 51.3 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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