Verizon Employee Sales Contest Makes Homeownership Possible for Habitat for Humanity Families

NEW YORK - Three families in need will be able to own a new, affordable home built by Habitat for Humanity International, thanks to a $269,690 donation from Verizon.

"Verizon's contribution is helping make the American dream of homeownership a reality," said Anthony Di Spigno, senior vice president of development for Habitat for Humanity International. "Their commitment to giving back to the communities they serve is an example of how corporate America can truly make a difference in the world with Habitat for Humanity."

In November, Verizon Online, a business unit of Verizon, launched an employee sales contest that included a donation to Habitat for Humanity for each new DSL sale made through Dec. 31. Last week, Verizon announced its largest quarterly gain in DSL lines in two years with 203,000 new customers. As a result, Michael Poling, vice president - broadband operations and processes for Verizon, will present Habitat for Humanity's Di Spigno a $269,690 check today.

Poling said, "Our employees were inspired knowing that each sale they generated would benefit Habitat for Humanity and the community. I'm really proud of them and want to recognize all their hard work to make this donation possible."

Verizon Online's gift will enable Habitat for Humanity volunteers to build homes in partnership with families in Robbinsville, N.J.; Marion, Ohio; and Tampa, Fla. The gift will help fund other projects as well. Verizon employees also will donate their time to help build the Habitat homes they sponsored.

Habitat for Humanity International

Habitat for Humanity International is a Christian ministry dedicated to eliminating poverty housing. Founded in 1976 by Millard Fuller, along with his wife, Linda, Habitat for Humanity International and its affiliates in more than 3,000 communities in 92 nations have built and sold more than 150,000 homes to partner families with no-profit, zero-interest mortgages. www.habitat.org.

Verizon Communications

A Fortune 10 company, Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) is one of the world's leading providers of communications services, with approximately $68 billion in revenues. Verizon companies are the largest providers of wireline and wireless communications in the United States. Verizon is also the largest directory publisher in the world, as measured by directory titles and circulation. Verizon's international presence includes wireline and wireless communications operations and investments, primarily in the Americas and Europe. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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