Verizon Supports 76 Hawaii Nonprofit Groups to Promote Literacy, Technology and Workforce Development

HONOLULU - Verizon reaffirmed its commitment to improving literacy, education and the use of computer technology through grants made in Hawaii last year. Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon, donated nearly $800,000 to 76 nonprofit organizations within the state during 2002.

"In today's tight economy, nonprofit organizations need financial assistance now more than ever," said Brian Blevins, director of external affairs for Verizon Hawaii. "Verizon's grants underscore our long-standing goal of improving the communities we serve and our commitment to providing excellent service to our customers."

Recipients of major grants included:
• Public Schools of Hawaii Foundation -- $20,000 to support its Good Idea Program to stimulate innovation and academic excellence in Hawaii's public schools.

• Children's Discovery Center -- $15,000 to create an interactive Web site to promote this unique children's museum to national and international audiences.

• Maui Chamber of Commerce Foundation -- $10,000 to support the Tech Ready program, which aims to improve technology skills and computer access for children who attend Maui County's public schools.

• Goodwill Industries of Hawaii -- $10,000 to develop and implement a workforce development program for A+ Certified Computer Technician Training.

In addition, literacy grants went to Friends of the Library of Hawaii, Friends of the Waimanalo Library, Hawaii Branch of the International Dyslexia Association, Hawaii Literacy Inc., Hawaii Public Television Foundation, Honolulu Theatre for Youth, Hui Malama Learning Center, Read Aloud America Inc., and YMCA of Hawaii, among others.

Technology-related grant recipients included Aloha United Way, Enterprise Honolulu, Hale Kipa, Hawaii Services on Deafness, Hawaii Public Radio, Hawaiian Humane Society, Honolulu Symphony Society, Kona Historical Society, Mission House Museum, Palama Settlement, and the University of Hawaii Foundation.

Verizon recognized the importance of local workforce development programs by awarding additional grants to Girl Scout Council of Hawaii, Hawaii Alliance for Arts Education, Hawaii Council on Economic Education, Hawaii Pacific University, Hawaii Women's Business Center, Iolani School, Kalihi Palama Health Center, and Mid-Pacific Institute.

Other grant recipients include American Heart Association, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Kapiolani Health Foundation, Kumu Kahua Theatre, Maui Community Arts and Cultural Center, St. Francis Healthcare Foundation, The Contemporary Museum, and others.

In addition to these grants, a wide variety of nonprofit agencies received a total of over $130,000 through Verizon Volunteers, an incentive program that encourages Verizon employees to volunteer in their communities and provides matching gifts to nonprofit organizations.

Verizon Foundation is committed to helping people and communities make progress every day. The foundation supports a variety of programs that focus on improving basic and computer literacy, bridging the digital divide, enriching communities through technology and creating a skilled work force. The foundation promotes partnerships in technology with organizations serving the needs of diverse communities, people with disabilities, and the economically and socially disadvantaged. The foundation also supports Verizon Volunteers, an incentive program that encourages Verizon employees to volunteer in their communities and provides matching gifts to nonprofit organizations. For more information on the foundation, visit www.verizon.com/foundation.

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 135.0 million access line equivalents and 31.5 million Verizon Wireless customers. Verizon is also the largest directory publisher in the world. With more than $67 billion in annual revenues and more than 236,000 employees, Verizon's global presence extends to more than 35 countries in the Americas, Europe, Asia and the Pacific. For more information on Verizon, visit www.verizon.com.

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