Verizon Wireless, the nation's largest wireless provider, and the Green Bay Packers are throwing a HopelineSM to victims of domestic violence in Wisconsin at this Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Lambeau Field.
Prior to game, used wireless phones and accessories will be collected for the Verizon Wireless HopeLineSM program at all five stadium gate entrances. The phone collection will begin at 10 a.m. and will last until game time.
Through the Verizon Wireless HopeLineSM program, used wireless handsets, batteries and accessories from any wireless company are collected, refurbished, recycled, and/or sold. Proceeds are donated to non-profit domestic violence advocacy organizations and used to purchase handsets for domestic violence victims, including those throughout Wisconsin.
This is the second year a Hopeline collection has been held at Lambeau Field. Last year, the drive resulted in the collection of more than 300 phones. The October 12 phone drive at the Packers' stadium is being held in connection with National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
"Last year our fans truly made a difference for domestic violence victims by bringing hundreds of old phones to Lambeau Field," said Bob Harlan, President of the Green Bay Packers. "We're counting on them to bring in phones this year, too. We have the best fans in the league. I know they want to help support a great cause and provide a lifeline to domestic violence victims in their community."
"We appreciate the Packers teaming up with us on this important initiative," said Tracy Nolan, region president of Verizon Wireless. "At Verizon Wireless, we continue to be humbled by the strength of domestic violence survivors and proud to provide them with resources that can help them rebuild their lives."
The company's Hopeline program was created in 1995 to put wireless products and services to work to combat domestic violence. Since Hopeline was started, Verizon Wireless has collected more than 1.2 million used wireless phones for the benefit of domestic violence victims and advocacy groups. From January through June 2003, Verizon Wireless donated over $1.5 million in monetary contributions to domestic violence shelters and prevention programs across the country.
About HopelineSM
Verizon Wireless encourages customers who are upgrading their wireless phone to participate in its exclusive HopeLinesm phone recycling program. The national HopeLine program distributes previously owned wireless phones to victims of domestic violence, supports non-profit domestic violence advocacy groups and provides an environmentally safe method of recycling phones. Donations are accepted at all 1,200-plus Verizon Wireless Communications Stores across the country. For additional information, customers can also visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless is the nation's leading provider of wireless communications. The company has the largest nationwide wireless voice and data network and 34.6 million customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, 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
