Verizon Wireless Donates 50 Phones To Delaware Domestic Violence Advocacy Center

SUSSEX COUNTY, DE — Verizon Wireless has donated 50 wireless phones to the Domestic Violence Advocacy Center, a nonprofit group serving women in Sussex County.  The donation was made possible through the Verizon Wireless HopeLine^SM Program, which uses wireless technology and financial resources for domestic violence prevention and education, the company’s chief community service focus.

The Advocacy Center will lend the phones to domestic violence victims as a means to call for help in an emergency. The phones are programmed to dial 9-1-1 and the domestic violence hotline in Sussex County.  

According to Linda Emerson, program director, Domestic Violence Advocacy Center,  “We are very grateful to Verizon Wireless for their donation. Victims of domestic violence have a better sense of safety when we are able to give them a cell phone. Domestic violence occurs in all walks of life and our agency is just one of many to help victims. These phones may be their only link available to lead them to safety.”

Through HopeLine, Verizon Wireless provides free wireless phones and voicemail boxes to victims residing in shelters and emergency phones to law enforcement agencies to distribute to women at risk.  Phones collected through HopeLine are refurbished for donation to domestic violence victims, recycled or sold, with proceeds used to benefit nonprofit domestic violence organizations through the purchase of wireless phones and/or monetary contributions.   

According to Christine Baron, president of Verizon Wireless’ Philadelphia Tri-State Region, “A wireless phone can serve as a lifeline to victims, offering them access to assistance, should an emergency arise.”

Area residents interested in helping victims of domestic violence may donate their no-longer-used wireless phones at any Verizon Wireless Communications Store. As a result of HopeLine and related phone recycling programs the company has organized since 1995, Verizon Wireless has collected over one million used wireless phones for the benefit of domestic violence victims and advocacy groups.  

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless is the nation's leading provider of wireless communications.  The company has the largest nationwide wireless voice and data network and 33.3 million customers.  Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD).  Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com.

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