Verizon Wireless, the nation’s largest wireless provider, and the Portland Trail Blazers are teaming up to invite fans to help curb domestic violence in the community. All fans attending the January 25th Blazers vs. Nuggets game at the Rose Garden are invited to make a donation of a used wireless phone. Proceeds will be donated to a non-profit advocacy organization to help victims of domestic violence. Fans who make a donation will receive a voucher for a free pair of tickets to a future Trail Blazers game, courtesy of Verizon Wireless. Get a great deal on tickets to the 1/25 Denver Nuggets game now! Click here and enter the promotion code: verizonwireless courtesy of Verizon Wireless.

As part of its HopeLine program, Verizon Wireless also makes financial grants to regional and national domestic violence organizations. During the past two years the company has awarded grants totaling more than $30,000 to Oregon domestic violence agencies.

Wireless phones and equipment donations can also be donated to the HopeLine program year-round at any Verizon Wireless Communications Store across the country. Tax receipts are available.


About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless is the nation’s leading provider of wireless communications and Internet services. The company has the largest nationwide wireless 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). Reporters and editors can find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com.




HopeLineSM
Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the HopeLine Phone Recycling Program?
HopeLine is a phone-recycling program exclusive to Verizon Wireless that uses wireless refurbished and recycled wireless equipment and Verizon Wireless services and equipment to assist victims of domestic violence.

2. What happens with my phone? Where does it go?
HopeLine collects used wireless phones, regardless of carrier, make, model or technology. The used phones will be refurbished or recycled. Verizon Wireless uses the proceeds from the sale of any donated phone (by a third-party) to fund non-profit agencies and to purchase wireless phones for victims of domestic violence. Older, unsalvageable phones are disposed of through an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-certified salvage company.

3. I want to help, but my old phone is from another carrier, not Verizon Wireless. Can I still donate to HopeLine?
Yes, customers of any carrier can donate their phones to HopeLine.

4. Can I donate my phone’s accessories? What about donating my pager?
Accessories such as a phone charger, headset and spare batteries are welcomed. HopeLine also accepts pagers.

5. What if I don’t have the charger and other accessories for my phone?
You can still send in donate your wireless phone alone and it will help raise funds for the HopeLine program.

6. What if my phone is broken?
You can still send in your broken wireless phone. If it is not salvageable, the parts will be recycled and used to generate funds for non-profit domestic violence advocacy and prevention agencies.

7. How do I donate my old phone?
We’ve made the process as easy as possible. Just drop off your phone at any Verizon Wireless Communications Store or mail the phone to: Verizon Wireless HopeLine c/o ReCellular Inc. 2555 Bishop Circle W. Dexter, MI 48130

8. What happens to the personal information on the wireless phones?
All information is erased or deleted by Recellular, the company that refurbishes and recycles the phones.

9. How do I know the women domestic violence victims who need the phones will receive them?
With the funds raised from the sale of the refurbished phones, Verizon Wireless will purchase new wireless phones and donate airtime to victims of domestic violence through human services and law enforcement agencies in your community.

10. What other projects does HopeLine get involved with?
Verizon Wireless’ HopeLine program also makes financial grants to regional and national domestic violence organizations, such as the Family Violence Prevention Fund, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and other select community interest groups. The grants fund workshops, classes and other initiatives to aid victims and help raise awareness of domestic violence.

11. Is it possible to donate money to the HopeLine program?
No, but an old cell wireless phone can be a lifeline for someone in need. Please encourage your friends and colleagues to donate to HopeLine.

12. Are there other ways I can help other than donating my phone? Can I purchase a refurbished phone from Verizon Wireless to help support the HopeLine program?
Verizon Wireless does not sell refurbished HopeLine phones. However, there are other ways to help. Holding a phone drive at your office, school or other location can help many people right in your community. To request information or to hold a phone drive, fill out the form at the Contact Us section at: http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/aboutUs/communityservice/hopelinecontactus.jsp

13. Will I receive a tax receipt for this donation?
No. Wireless phones and related accessories contributed to the Verizon Wireless HopeLine program are not tax deductible. The benefit of donating your phone to HopeLine is the help it affords victims of domestic violence, as well as protecting the environment through recycling. Any tax benefit received for donating your phone and/or equipment would have been minimal.

14. I am a victim of domestic violence. How can I get a phone?
If you are a victim of domestic violence, please contact a local domestic violence shelter, as phones are distributed through shelters. For additional assistance, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY).

15. I am a domestic violence prevention advocacy worker. How can I get a phone?
For information on how your organization can become a HopeLine recipient, please visit the “Contact Us” section at: http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/aboutUs/communityservice/hopelinecontactus.jsp. Or visit http://news.vzw.com/contacts/index.html and contact the representative in your region, who will evaluate your situation and determine how they may help you.