1+ Million Phones donated To Verizon’s HopeLine Program last year

For the third consecutive year, Verizon Wireless collected more than 1 million no-longer-used wireless phones through its HopeLine phone recycling and reuse program, keeping them out of landfills and turning them into support for domestic violence survivors.

Throughout 2009, HopeLine collected nearly 1.1 million old cell phones from consumers and businesses that donated phones, batteries and accessories at Verizon Wireless Communications Stores; by mail using the online postage-paid label; or at phone drives nationwide held by law enforcement partners, entertainment venues and corporations.

These donations enabled HopeLine to distribute nearly 23,000 phones with 69 million free minutes of service to almost 600 shelters nationwide for use by clients and award $1.6 million in cash grants to domestic violence prevention and awareness programs.

“Thanks to everyone who gave their old cell phones to HopeLine in 2009. Your actions not only helped us make an impact on the environment, but they also enabled us to fund cash grants to more than 400 non-profit organizations nationwide,” said Dan Mead, chief operating officer of Verizon Wireless. “As HopeLine enters its 15th year, Verizon Wireless remains committed to continuing the momentum we have built to assist those in need and raise consciousness that healthy relationships are important.”

Exclusive to Verizon Wireless, HopeLine accepts no-longer-used wireless phones and equipment in any condition from any service provider. The phones are either refurbished or recycled in an environmentally sound way. Proceeds are used to provide wireless phones with free airtime to survivors and to contribute grants to further the efforts of non-profit domestic violence shelters and prevention programs across the country.

Since 2001, HopeLine has collected more than 6.7 million phones; awarded more than $7.9 million in cash grants to prevention and awareness programs nationwide; and donated more than 90,000 HopeLine phones with 300 million minutes of airtime to victims, survivors and domestic violence organizations.

For more information on Verizon Wireless’ HopeLine program and to learn how to donate a wireless phone, visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.