The HopeLine program benefits the victims of domestic violence

Dec 27, 2006 10:34 GMT  ·  By

Verizon Wireless is encouraging those who acquired or received new phones with the occasion of the holidays to donate their older handsets to the company's HopeLine program to help make a difference in the lives of victims of domestic violence.

HopeLine collects wireless phones and accessories in any condition from any wireless service provider, and then refurbishes and resells the phones or recycles them in an environmentally-friendly way. The HopeLine program benefits the victims of domestic violence and non-profit advocacy agencies nationwide, providing essential communication tools of wireless phones and wireless services, and financial grants.

"Safety and hope are two of the most precious gifts that a survivor of domestic violence can receive," said Lowell McAdam, president and CEO of Verizon Wireless. "The ability to communicate reliably with friends, family, counselors or law enforcement is critical for domestic violence victims as they rebuild their lives. While donating an old phone to HopeLine may feel like a small gesture, it will make a big difference to those in need."

Since the phone recycling and re-use part of the program became national in 2001, HopeLine has donated more than $10 million in financial grants, phones and services, including the donation of more than 30,000 wireless phones to agencies for victims' use, and has collected more than 3.5 million wireless phones to raise funds for domestic violence victims and advocacy organizations.

Wireless phones and accessories from any carrier can be donated at any of the more than 2,200 Verizon Wireless Communications Stores across the U.S.