Fort Wayne, Indiana, Residents Can Help Domestic Violence Survivors and Preserve The Environment

FORT WAYNE, IN — Verizon Wireless is making it easy for Fort Wayne-area residents to help domestic violence survivors and commemorate Earth Day (April 22) by collecting no-longer-used wireless phones during a special collection drive at both of its local Communications Stores between April 16 — 22, 2004.

For each wireless handset donated during the collection drive, Verizon Wireless will contribute $5 to the local chapter of the YWCA Women's Shelter. Locations of Verizon Wireless Communications Stores in Fort Wayne are:

• 4122 Northop St., Suite B-15
• 4150 W. Jefferson Blvd., Suite K-3

Through its award-winning HopeLine^SM program, Verizon Wireless collects no-longer-used wireless phones and accessories from any wireless service provider. Most of the phones and equipment are refurbished and sold; then the company uses the proceeds to purchase newer wireless phones for domestic violence survivors and to support domestic violence shelters and organizations. The remaining phones are recycled in an environmentally friendly way.

"Our HopeLine program has provided many domestic violence survivors with a lifeline that has helped them go about their day-to-day lives with less fear," said Greg Haller, president of Verizon Wireless' Indiana Region. "The program also offers an environmentally friendly alternative to just throwing handsets away. Earth Day is a nice reminder to all of us to pull those unused wireless phones off the dusty shelves and out of the junk drawers so they can be put to good use."

In 2003, the YWCA Women's Shelter served 1,194 clients, including 612 women and 582 children. "The YWCA serves victims of domestic abuse through strong community partnerships," said Becky Hill, chief executive officer of YWCA. "Verizon Wireless has been a valued community partner to us and other nonprofit organizations. We're especially pleased by this fundraiser because more phones will be collected and available to women in need, and the clients we serve will benefit from the funding support."

Since January 2001, Verizon Wireless has collected more than 1.2 million no-longer-used wireless phones that have been turned into lifelines and/or much-needed funds for domestic violence victims and advocacy organizations. For more information, call 1-800-426-2790 or visit the Web at http://www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.  

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 37.5 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.  To receive broadcast-quality video footage of Verizon Wireless operations, log onto www.thenewsmarket.com/verizonwireless.  

About the YWCA Women's Shelter
The YWCA Women's Shelter provides immediate crisis intervention and shelter to victims of domestic violence 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The YWCA provides advocacy, support groups, assistance with developing a personal safety plan, referrals, and transportation as well as basic needs, including food, clothing and personal care supplies. The shelter also provides services to male victims of abuse at a separate location.

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