Verizon Wireless, operator of the nation’s most reliable wireless network, is encouraging those who were given the gift of wireless this holiday season to continue the giving spirit by donating their old wireless phones to the company’s HopeLine program to help make a difference in the lives of victims of domestic violence.

HopeLine collects wireless phones and accessories in any condition from any wireless service provider, and then refurbishes and resells the phones or recycles them in an environmentally-sound way. Proceeds from the HopeLine program benefit victims of domestic violence and non-profit advocacy agencies nationwide, providing essential communication tools of wireless phones and wireless services, and financial grants.

“Safety and hope are two of the most precious gifts that a survivor of domestic violence can receive,” said Lowell McAdam, president and CEO of Verizon Wireless. “The ability to communicate reliably with friends, family, counselors or law enforcement is critical for domestic violence victims as they rebuild their lives. While donating an old phone to HopeLine may feel like a small gesture, it will make a big difference to those in need.”

Wireless phones and accessories from any carrier can be donated at any of the more than 2,200 Verizon Wireless Communications Stores across the country, or can be sent to:

Verizon Wireless HopeLine
c/o ReCellular Inc.
2555 Bishop Circle W.
Dexter, MI 48130

Since the phone recycling and re-use part of the program became national in 2001, HopeLine has donated more than $10 million in financial grants, phones and services, including the donation of more than 30,000 wireless phones to agencies for victims’ use, and has collected more than 3.5 million wireless phones to raise funds for domestic violence victims and advocacy organizations.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 57 million customers. The largest US wireless company and largest wireless data provider, based on revenues, Verizon Wireless is headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 60,000 employees nationwide. The company is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library.