Verizon Wireless Phone Recycling at Oriole Park Delivers a Home Run for Domestic Violence Victims

Thu Jul 12 22:02:00 2007

To Thank Fans, Verizon Wireless and Baltimore Orioles Donate $10,000 to Maryland's House of Ruth Shelter

LAUREL, Md., July 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Baltimore Orioles' fans hit one out of the ballpark when the team played the Cleveland Indians. Verizon Wireless promised to donate $5 to support local victims of domestic violence for every no-longer-used cell phone fans brought to Camden Yards May 6.

The recycling drive netted close to 1,000 no-longer-used wireless phones and accessories and Verizon Wireless' donation of $5,000 has been matched by the Orioles. The $10,000 joint contribution will support the services of Baltimore's House of Ruth, the area's largest and most comprehensive domestic violence program.

Carole Alexander, executive director of House of Ruth Maryland, said, "Like most nonprofits, House of Ruth relies on the generosity of corporations, foundations and individual donors. It's wonderful to receive an unexpected gift of $10,000 from Verizon Wireless and the Orioles because it means that we can continue to offer innovative programs and critical services to Baltimore area women and children."

Greg Bader, director of communications for the Orioles, said, "Our fans never let us down. They are always there for the team and, in this case, they responded from the heart because they know that domestic violence is an insidious problem that destroys families and affects one out of three women in this country."

Verizon Wireless Regional President Tami Erwin said, "With more than 230 million Americans owning wireless phones, and many upgrading their equipment regularly, there is no shortage of phones available to be recycled. We're so grateful to the fans that brought their old phones to the ballpark and encourage everyone to recycle phones they're not using through our HopeLine program."

Since 2001, Verizon Wireless has collected 3.5 million no-longer-used wireless phones, at its stores around the country and in special collections organized for interested businesses, law enforcement agencies and civic groups. Phones, batteries and accessories in any condition from any provider can be recycled at company stores nationwide and in special collections like the one at Camden Yards. The equipment is either refurbished and sold for reuse or recycled in an environmentally-friendly way. Proceeds are used to provide wireless phones, airtime and cash grants to local shelters and non- profit organizations that support domestic violence prevention and awareness.

Through the HopeLine program, Verizon Wireless has donated more than $3 million in cash grants and more than 40,000 phones with airtime, a contribution valued at more than $10 million.

About House of Ruth Maryland

House of Ruth Maryland is one of the nation's leading domestic violence centers, helping thousands of battered women and children find the safety and security so many of us take for granted. Last year, House of Ruth Maryland served 12,595 people -- a 12% increase over the previous year. For more information, log onto http://www.hruth.org/.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving more than 60.7 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 65,000 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 at http://www.verizonwireless.com/. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Verizon Wireless

CONTACT: Tracey Primrose, +1-202-966-8779, for Verizon Wireless

Web site: http://www.verizonwireless.com/
http://www.hruth.org/

---

Back