New York State Agencies Collecting Used Cell Phones to Benefit Domestic Violence Survivors

New York State Agencies Collecting Used Cell Phones to Benefit Domestic
Violence Survivors
Statewide Collection Taking Place in Recognition of National Domestic Violence
Awareness Month

ALBANY, N.Y., Oct. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of Domestic Violence
Awareness Month, more than 150 state agency offices across New York State are
collecting no-longer-used cellphones throughout October. Through Verizon
Wireless' HopeLine Program, those phones will be recycled or refurbished and
sold. Proceeds will be used to purchase wireless phones for domestic violence
survivors and to make financial grants to domestic violence organizations in
New York State.

"By doing something as simple as donating an old wireless phone at one of
these state agency offices, individuals can truly make a difference for a
domestic violence survivor," said Marquett Smith, president of Verizon
Wireless' Upstate New York Region. "We're proud to have the opportunity to
work with Verizon Communications and the New York State Office for the
Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) to facilitate this collection and help
domestic violence organizations across the state put an end to domestic
violence in their communities."

"New York State agencies are conducting these drives as part of our statewide
'Shine the Light on Domestic Violence' public awareness campaign," said Amy
Barasch, Executive Director of the New York State Office for the Prevention of
Domestic Violence. "Particularly in this time of fiscal crisis, Governor
David A. Paterson is committed to maintaining support for domestic violence
victims and we are pleased that we can strengthen grant-making opportunities
for our nonprofit colleagues. We thank Verizon Wireless for their commitment
to giving victims and the providers that serve them essential resources."

Victims of domestic violence, family and friends can get help by calling the
NYS Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline:
English and other languages: 1-800-942-6906
Spanish language: 1-800-942-6908

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless
voice and data network, serving 87.7 million customers. Headquartered in
Basking Ridge, N.J., with more than 87,000 employees nationwide, Verizon
Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone
(NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, visit 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 www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

About HopeLine
Verizon Wireless, a recognized corporate leader in the fight against domestic
violence, works to combat domestic violence and raise awareness of the issue
through the company's HopeLine program. Marking its 14th year in 2009,
HopeLine today collects wireless phones and accessories from any wireless
service provider, and then refurbishes the phones or recycles them in an
environmentally friendly way. Proceeds from the HopeLine program benefit
victims of domestic violence and non-profit advocacy agencies, providing
essential communication tools of wireless phones and wireless services, and
financial grants. Phone donations are accepted at all Verizon Wireless Stores
across the country. For additional information, please visit
www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.

About OPDV
The New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) is a
state agency charged with improving the response of state and local
communities to domestic violence. OPDV provides guidance to Executive level
staff on policy and legislation; conducts statewide community outreach and
public education programs; and trains professionals on addressing domestic
violence in a wide array of disciplines, including child welfare, law
enforcement, local district social service providers, and health care
professionals.

SOURCE Verizon Wireless

John O'Malley, +1-585-321-7264 or +1-585-261-5899,
john.omalley@verizonwireless.com, http://twitter.com/johnnyverizon; or Suzanne
Cecala, +1-518-457-5744, Suzanne.cecala@opdv.state.ny.us,
www.opdv.state.ny.us