Verizon Awards $200,000 to National PTA to Help Connect Organization's Nearly 6 Million Members to More Resources and Information

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The National PTA's nearly 6 million members will soon be able to communicate better with one another and share best practices, thanks to a membership database funded by a $200,000 grant from the Verizon Foundation. Verizon Region President Gale Given was joined by U.S. Rep. Robert Ney of Ohio in presenting the check to National PTA President Linda Hodge on Saturday (6/25) at the organization's annual national convention at the Columbus Convention Center.

"PTAs work hard to provide programs and technical assistance to their members," Hodge said. "This grant is an important part of our communications plan. It will offer us the opportunity to reach out to more parents and provide more resources to PTA members."

Specifically, the grant provides funding for the development of a secure database that will connect PTA members across the country, creating a virtual network of dedicated parents, teachers, community members and students. Currently, the database is being tested in nine sites.

"Soon a parent in Columbus, Ohio, will be able to share information and support with a teacher in Columbus, Georgia, multiplying the PTA's influence and helping to improve more and more communities across the country," Given said. "This is what technology is meant to do and a benefit Verizon sees realized every day in communities we serve throughout the country."

The National PTA is the largest volunteer child advocacy organization in the United States. Since its founding in 1897, the organization has prided itself on being a powerful voice for children, a relevant resource for parents, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership is open to anyone who is concerned with the education, health and welfare of children and youth.

The Verizon Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications. In 2004, the foundation awarded more than 26,000 grants totaling over $70 million to charitable and nonprofit agencies that focus on improving literacy, computer and technology skills, and identifying domestic violence solutions. The foundation uses its resources in the United States and abroad to develop partnerships in technology and connect them with organizations serving the needs of diverse communities, people with disabilities, victims of domestic violence, and the economically and socially disadvantaged.

The foundation also supports Verizon Volunteers, an incentive program that last year encouraged Verizon employees to volunteer 528,000 hours in their communities and provided $37.6 million in combined contributions to charitable and nonprofit organizations. For more information on the foundation, visit www.verizon.com/foundation.

With more than $71 billion in annual revenues, Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) is one of the world's leading providers of communications services. Verizon has a diverse work force of 212,000 in four business units: Domestic Telecom provides customers based in 28 states with wireline and other telecommunications services, including broadband. Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 45.5 million voice and data customers across the United States. Information Services operates directory publishing businesses and provides electronic commerce services. International includes wireline and wireless operations and investments, primarily in the Americas and Europe. For more information, visit
www.verizon.com.

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