Verizon Pledges $1 Million to Match Customer Donations for Relief (update)

UPDATE: Verizon Wireless customers and the Verizon Foundation have pledged more than $3 million to the American Red Cross and other organizations aiding in Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts. Customers can still make a $10 donation by texting REDCROSS to 90999. 

As part of continuing efforts to support Hurricane Sandy recovery, Verizon announced it would match customer text-to-donate contributions to American Red Cross relief efforts up to one million dollars.

Customers can make a $10 donation by texting REDCROSS to 90999. Those who would like to give more can donate up to $50 via text.

“In addition to helping people stay in touch in the aftermath of this storm, our technology also makes it easy to donate funds that will be used to assist communities and individuals in their recovery efforts,” said Dan Mead, president and chief executive officer of Verizon Wireless. “Verizon’s matching contributions for texted donations is part of our longstanding commitment to the communities where we work and live.”

For those contributing, text messaging fees will be waived and 100 percent of each donation goes directly to the Red Cross. Verizon Wireless customers who pay monthly bills will see their donations on the next regular monthly bill. For customers using the company’s prepaid services, donations will be taken from customers’ prepaid balances.    

The Verizon matching funds come from the Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon, and is part of more than $1.2 million the foundation has committed to relief efforts, including $200,000 to support local relief efforts in New York and New Jersey.

To support those in areas impacted by Hurricane Sandy, Verizon Wireless has also set up multiple mobile device charging stations to assist those still without power.

For more information on Verizon Wireless efforts related to Hurricane Sandy, visit the Emergency Information Center.