Florida Nonprofits Received More Than $2 Million in 2008 From the Verizon Foundation to Support Education, Literacy and Domestic Violence Prevention Initiatives

TAMPA, Fla. - More than 750 nonprofit groups in Florida received more than $2 million from the Verizon Foundation in 2008, enabling recipient organizations to improve literacy skills, enhance educational opportunities for children, and help domestic violence survivors rebuild their lives.

In addition, Verizon employees volunteered more than 49,000 hours to nonprofit groups throughout the state in 2008.

"Verizon has a long-standing tradition of working to improve the communities where we operate by supporting organizations that strive to make a difference in the lives of individuals in the community," said Michelle Robinson, Verizon president, Southeast region. "Through grants and the generous contributions of time and talent from our employees, we are having a positive impact on our communities."

Among the grants awarded by Verizon in 2008 are:

• Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, Tampa - $20,000 to support the Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival, specifically to provide instruction to 6th and 7th grade students from Van Buren Middle School.

• Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood Association, St. Petersburg - $20,000 for the creation of an 80-page book and study guide focusing on the history and preservation of the neighborhoods of St. Petersburg, including its buildings, landscapes and history. The book, entitled "Souvenir of St. Petersburg - Views from the Vinoy," was given to every 4th grade student in Pinellas County Schools.
• The Women's Resource Center of Manatee, Bradenton - $10,000 to support women in abusive relationships gain independence through career assistance, computer classes and counseling.

The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications, supports the advancement of literacy and K-12 education through its free educational Web site, Thinkfinity.org, and fosters awareness and prevention of domestic violence.  In 2008, the Verizon Foundation awarded more than $68 million in grants to nonprofit agencies in the U.S. and abroad.  It also matched the charitable donations of Verizon employees and retirees, resulting in an additional $26 million in combined contributions to nonprofits.  Through Verizon Volunteers, one of the nation's largest employee volunteer programs, Verizon employees and retirees have volunteered more than 3 million hours of community service since 2000. For more information on the foundation, visit www.verizonfoundation.org.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), headquartered in New York, is a leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving more than 80 million customers nationwide.  Verizon's Wireline operations include Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world, and Verizon Telecom, which brings customers the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of nearly 224,000 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of more than $97 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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