Wireless Subscribers Can Text 2HELP the American Red Cross

Text 2HELP(TM) Allows Wireless Customers to Contribute $5 to Support the
American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund

WASHINGTON, Sept. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Wireless Foundation and the
American Red Cross announced today that most wireless subscribers in the U.S.
can make a charitable donation to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund through
the unique Text 2HELP(TM) program. Here's how it works: Subscribers of
participating wireless carriers can donate $5 simply by texting "GIVE" to
24357 (2HELP). The donations will appear on customers' monthly bills or be
debited from prepaid account balances. Standard text messaging rates may
apply. The American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund enables the Red Cross to
provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to the victims of
thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the
Hurricanes of 2008.

"As part of being prepared for emergencies, consumers should be familiar with
sending text messages because text messaging provides an additional and unique
way to stay in touch. With Text 2HELP, our industry's customers can practice
their texting skills and donate to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief
Fund," said Steve Largent, President and CEO of CTIA-The Wireless Association
and President of The Wireless Foundation, the charitable organization
coordinating Text 2HELP.

Wireless carriers participating in Text 2HELP include AT&T, Alltel, Sprint,
T-Mobile USA and Verizon Wireless. VeriSign is powering the intelligent
messaging infrastructure to enable the short message service. Wireless users
can text their donations anytime until October 31, 2008.

"We are encouraging cell phone users to make a $5 Text 2HELP donation to help
the American Red Cross provide our neighbors in the Gulf Coast, and people
across the country, with the help that they need in the face of emergencies,"
said Gail McGovern, American Red Cross President and CEO. "Text 2HELP offers
people an easy and efficient way to give using wireless technology. I want to
extend my appreciation to both The Wireless Foundation and the wireless
industry for giving us this innovative partnership, and to everyone who takes
advantage of this chance to support the Red Cross through something as simple
as a text message."

The donation program, initially created to aid Hurricane Katrina relief
assistance, is initiated whenever a disaster occurs and an American Red Cross
assessment determines its relief efforts will require a substantial level of
support. The most recent disaster response to Hurricane Gustav is the largest
Red Cross relief effort since Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and in response the
Red Cross has moved workers, cots, blankets, comfort kits, ready-to-eat meals
and more than 200 mobile feeding trucks into the area. The first priority for
the Red Cross during any disaster is to provide people with food, shelter and
emotional support. Disaster workers are on the receiving end to make those who
leave their homes as comfortable as possible in Red Cross shelters. The Red
Cross is also closely monitoring the path of three named storms, including
Hurricane Hanna, Tropical Storm Ike and Tropical Storm Josephine.

About The Wireless Foundation
The Wireless Foundation is a non-profit organization that was formed by the
member companies of CTIA-The Wireless Association(R) in 1991. The Foundation
develops and promotes programs that use wireless technology to make American
communities safer. www.wirelessfoundation.org

About the American Red Cross
You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each
year, disasters like the Hurricanes of 2008, by making a financial gift to the
American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. This Fund enables the Red Cross to
provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of
disasters. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to
designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of
your donation by either contacting 1-800-RED CROSS or mailing your donation,
with the designation, to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington,
D.C.20013.

For press inquiries about participating carriers, please contact:
Alltel: Lucie Pathmann, 501.905.5553, lucie.r.pathmann@alltel.com
AT&T: Mark Siegel, 404.236.6312, mark.a.siegel@att.com
Sprint: Crystal Davis, 703.433.8144, crystal.davis@sprint.com
T-Mobile USA: Peter Dobrow, 425.378.4002, mediarelations@t-mobile.com
Verizon Wireless: Debra Lewis, 908.559.7512, Debra.Lewis@verizonwireless.com

SOURCE American Red Cross

American Red Cross Public Affairs Desk, +1-202-303-5551