Verizon Advertising Campaign Celebrates Volunteerism

NEW YORK -- Verizon has launched a series of advertisements that celebrate the love of volunteerism under the theme, "Volunteer for Something You Love." The ads feature Verizon employees whose volunteer leadership has earned cash grants from Verizon Foundation to the nonprofit agencies where the employees volunteer.

"The telecommunications industry has a long history of caring for the communities in which it operates," said Susan Sullivan, director of employee volunteersim at Verizon Foundation. "We cultivate that heritage with foundation programs that encourage employees to be involved in charitable agencies in their communities. We believe this ad campaign provides another dimension to these efforts."

A series of five print ads have started appearing in national business, ethnic and public policy publications. More ads will be developed as the campaign progresses. Ads scheduled to run in ethnic newspapers and magazines will appear in the language of the publication.

Each ad features an action photo of a Verizon employee at the charitable agency where the employee volunteers. The ad copy urges readers to join Verizon by volunteering for something they love and provides a foundation Web address to help find volunteer opportunities in their community.

Nicole Humphries, a Verizon sales engineer, is featured in one of the ads for her volunteer work with the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Alumni Chapter in Tampa, Fla. Humphries tutors students in math and science; speaks to students and community leaders on Verizon technology like DSL; gives young people an up-close view of the engineering career path; and raises funds for the organization. During a typical month, she volunteers 10 hours of her time to NSBE.

Lakisha Clark, founding chairperson for NSBE's Tampa Alumni Chapter, says Humphries' dedication is second to none. "When there is something that needs to be done, all we have to do is call Nicole and she helps out," Clark said. "She is so keen on giving back to her community and helping to make a difference in the lives of young people. Her giving attitude is what helps makes us tick."

Verizon Foundation has an aggressive volunteer program. Known as Verizon Volunteers, the program was launched in 2001 and continues to grow steadily. Employees who volunteer 50 hours or more at a nonprofit agency each year can receive $500 grants for up to two separate agencies. The grants are given on behalf of the employee's volunteer service. In addition, teams of 10 or more employees who participate in a fundraising pledge-a-thon for a qualified nonprofit can get matches from the foundation for funds they raise up to $25,000 per team. Last year, Verizon employees nationwide volunteered in 18,300 different ways through this program.

Verizon Foundation last year awarded 22,000 grants totaling more than $70 million to nonprofit agencies that focus on improving basic and computer literacy, enriching communities through technology, and creating a skilled work force. The foundation uses its resources in the U.S., and abroad to develop partnerships in technology and connect them with organizations serving the needs of diverse communities, people with disabilities, victims of domestic violence and the economically and socially disadvantaged. For more information on the foundation, visit www.verizon.com/foundation.

A Fortune 10 company, 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 136.6 million access line equivalents and 33.3 million Verizon Wireless customers. Verizon is the third-largest long-distance carrier for U.S. consumers, with 13.2 million long-distance lines, and the company is also the largest directory publisher in the world, as measured by directory titles and circulation. With approximately $67 billion in annual revenues and 227,000 employees, Verizon's global presence extends to the Americas, Europe, Asia and the Pacific. For more information on Verizon, visit www.verizon.com.

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