Verizon Wireless Kicks Off Wireless Phone Recycling Drive In Pittsburgh

One out of every four American women will be a victim of domestic violence at some point during her life. Through its exclusive HopeLine program, Verizon Wireless will demonstrate its commitment to ending the epidemic of domestic violence by holding a one-month phone collection drive at three Pittsburgh-area Verizon Wireless Communications Stores.

The drive will benefit the Women's Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh.

Starting on August 1, community members can bring their unwanted wireless phones and accessories from any wireless provider to the Verizon Wireless Communications Stores at the following locations: Century III Mall in West Mifflin; The Waterfront in Homestead; and South Hills Village in Bethel Park.

The company's long-running HopeLine program collects no-longer-used wireless phones and equipment in any condition from any wireless service provider. The used phones are either refurbished or recycled. With the funds raised from the sale of the refurbished phones, Verizon Wireless donates wireless phones and airtime to victims, and provides funding and other contributions to non-profit domestic violence shelters and prevention programs across the country.

"In 2008, Pennsylvanians donated nearly 70,000 phones to the HopeLine program," said Roger Tang, president-Ohio/Pennsylvania/West Virginia Region, Verizon Wireless. "It's because of our customers' continued support of HopeLine that we are able to make a difference in the lives of domestic violence victims."

At the conclusion of the month-long phone drive, Verizon Wireless will present a check to the Women's Center and Shelter to benefit programs at the center that are geared toward helping victims begin to rebuild their lives.