The Green Bay Packers and Verizon today announced their continuing campaign during October's Domestic Violence Awareness Month to collect no-longer-used wireless devices from fans, to support prevention efforts and assist survivors, at a gameday HopeLine Collection Sunday, Oct. 18.
"The Green Bay Packers are proud to once again partner with Verizon for the HopeLine program to continue working to end domestic violence," said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy. "The phone drive provides an opportunity for our fans and guests to join the campaign, donate their used phones and help us support those who have experienced domestic violence."
Wireless phones given to HopeLine are refurbished and proceeds generated are given to local non-profit domestic violence prevention organizations, including those in Wisconsin. New phones – complete with 3,000 minutes of wireless service and text-messaging service – are provided to local domestic violence agencies or local government and law enforcement agencies for use with their domestic violence clients.
"At Verizon, our employees have long supported our efforts to help prevent domestic violence," said Brian Pascoe, Verizon's region president. "We're calling on Green Bay Packers fans to keep up the amazing support they've shown for HopeLine from Verizon over the years. Together, we can make a difference."
At a news conference today at Lambeau Field, officials from Verizon and the Green Bay Packers announced the following initiatives for Domestic Violence Awareness Month:
- Game Day HopeLine Collection:Verizon and the Packers were joined by representatives from Golden House to announce the collection of no-longer-used wireless phones, batteries and accessories at the Green Bay Packers-San Diego Chargers game on Sunday, Oct. 18. Devices are accepted from any carrier and can be donated from 1 p.m. until the end of the first quarter. This year, Verizon is asking people to support survivors and help HopeLine reach one million phone donations by the end of 2015.
- Grant Presentation:Verizon presented a $5,000 grant to Golden House. Golden House has been serving domestic violence survivors in Green Bay since 1979. The HopeLine grant support comes from special collections with valued partners such as the Packers and also consumer donations made year round at Verizon retail stores.
- Public Service Announcement:Green Bay Packers wide receiver Ty Montgomery has donated his time to record a public service announcement, or PSA, calling on fans to donate their no-longer-used wireless devices this month.
- Wish List Collection:During this October's Domestic Violence Awareness month, Verizon also invites the public to make donations for Golden House at its retail store in Ashwaubenon at 820 Willard Drive. Community members are being asked to donate much-needed items to help survivors who rely on shelter services, including:
* **Toiletries:** Deodorant, conditioner, shampoo, contact lens solution, hairbrushes, combs, body wash, mouthwash and hand sanitizer.
* **Bed & Bath:** Twin blankets, wash cloths, pillows, twin sheet sets, alarm clocks and bath towels.
* **Children's Items:**Baby wipes, children/infant socks, formula, diapers, baby lotion, baby wash and baby shampoo.
* **Household Goods:**Paper towels, kitchen garbage bags, multipurpose cleaner, laundry soap, hand soap, dish soap.
Consumers have additional options to help prevent domestic violence this year. At all Verizon retail locations nationwide and online, consumers can purchase purple accessories (a color denoting courage for survivors) with $1 for every accessory sold donated to the National Domestic Hotline, up to $100,000.
About HopeLine:
Verizon has a longstanding commitment to domestic violence awareness and prevention, which has been a main philanthropic focus since 2001 through the HopeLine program. HopeLine collects no-longer-used wireless phones, batteries, chargers and accessories in any condition, from any service provider and turns them into support for domestic violence awareness and prevention organizations. The phones donated to HopeLine are refurbished and recycled in an environmentally safe way with proceeds going towards the financial support of domestic violence awareness and prevention initiatives. Verizon also donates wireless phones through the HopeLine program, complete with service and data, to domestic violence shelters and non-profit organizations for use by victims and survivors. HopeLine phones serve as a vital link to support services in times of crisis and help keep a private line of communication to family, friends and employers. Through the HopeLine program, Verizon has donated millions of dollars, thousands of phones and numerous resources to the domestic violence prevention and awareness movement.
