Verizon Gives $1 Million to American Red Cross on Behalf Of Company's Retirees

NEW YORK - Verizon Foundation has given $1 million to the American Red Cross Liberty Disaster Relief Fund to help families of those who were lost at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon during the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11.

Verizon Foundation made the donation on behalf of the 178,000 retirees of Verizon and its predecessor companies. The foundation is the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications.

"Verizon retirees have responded to the disaster with urgency and dedication," said Ivan Seidenberg, Verizon president and co-CEO. "We're making this donation on their behalf to acknowledge and encourage their efforts to help."

The American Red Cross has launched an unprecedented relief effort that includes a $100 million gift program. The program will put tax-free grants in the hands of affected families quickly and efficiently to help pay for:

• Monthly living expenses such as food, clothing, utilities and transportation
• Mortgage and rent payments
• Funeral and related expenses
• Other immediate expenses not covered by normal insurance

"Everyone associated with the Verizon family has been simply outstanding in their support of the Red Cross," said Skip Seitz, senior vice president - American Red Cross. "Whether they have given their expertise, blood or cash, the contributions have been invaluable."

The Red Cross is coordinating the effort to provide financial aid with employers of workers victimized by events at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Families of firefighters, police officers and other emergency workers who were lost or are missing in the rescue efforts also are eligible for Red Cross aid. A Red Cross caseworker will meet with each family to determine short-term cash needs. Checks will be sent the next business day to the families. Note: See details below on how to donate.

Verizon Cash Donations for Disaster Now Total More than $8 Million

The $1 million contribution to the American Red Cross Liberty Disaster Relief Fund brings the total Verizon contribution to recovery efforts to more than $8 million. Of that total, Verizon employees donated $1.5 million in 14 days to The September 11th Fund in New York. Verizon Foundation has provided a 3-to-1 match of those employee gifts for another $4.5 million.

On Sept. 15, the foundation also donated $1.125 million to three organizations in areas affected by the attacks. The three organization were the New York Police & Fire Widows & Children's Benefit Fund, $1 million; the American Red Cross in Washington, D.C., $100,000, and the American Red Cross in Somerset, Pa, $25,000.

Employees and Retirees Volunteer

Verizon employees and retirees continue to donate food and clothing through the Salvation Army and give blood through their local Red Cross. More than 8,000 employees from Maine to Florida and California staffed phones for the nationwide Sept. 21 telethon, "America: A Tribute to Heroes," in support of the disaster relief effort. Employees in the New York and Washington, D.C., areas also continue to donate their time and expertise to help with the recovery effort.

Verizon Communications

Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) is one of the world's leading providers of communications services. Verizon companies are the largest providers of wireline and wireless communications in the United States, with 125 million access line equivalents and approximately 28 million wireless customers. Verizon is also the largest directory publisher in the world. A Fortune 10 company with about 260,000 employees and more than $65 billion in annual revenues, Verizon's global presence extends to 40 countries in the Americas, Europe, Asia and the Pacific. For more information on Verizon, visit www.verizon.com.

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How to Donate to American Red Cross Liberty Disaster Relief Fund

American Red Cross disaster assistance is provided to people in need without charge. This is made possible by voluntary donations of time, money and blood from the American people.

To help provide support for people in need following this disaster as well as emerging human needs resulting from this tragedy, contributions can be made to the American Red Cross Liberty Disaster Relief Fund by calling:

1-800-HELP-NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish).

Internet users can make a secure online credit card contribution by visiting:

www.redcross.org.

Contributions may also be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter, or sent to: