Packers, Verizon Wireless to collect cell phones for domestic violence victims November 9th

GREEN BAY (WITI) -- Prior to the Green Bay Packers-Chicago Bears game at Lambeau Field on November 9th, the Packers and Verizon Wireless will again team up to host a wireless phone drive in support of domestic violence survivors. The drive is a part of Verizon’s HopeLine® program, which collects no-longer-used cell phones and distributes them to survivors of domestic violence.

All fans attending the game are invited to donate their no-longer-used cell phones and accessories from any wireless provider. Volunteers will be accepting donated phones and equipment at each of the eight Lambeau Field entrances from 5:30 p.m. until game time at 7:30. All phones collected will provide direct support for survivors of domestic violence in Wisconsin.

The phone drive comes a month after Verizon Wireless presented a $100,000 HopeLine® grant to End Domestic Abuse WI and announced the details of this year’s drive, along with support from the Packers and linebacker Clay Matthews.

Through the HopeLine® program, wireless phones, batteries and other accessories are collected at Verizon Wireless Communications Stores nationwide and in special collections throughout the year. Most of the phones will be refurbished and sold. With the funds raised from the sale of the refurbished phones, Verizon donates phones and airtime to survivors of domestic violence, and provides funding to non-profit domestic violence shelters and prevention programs across the country. Phones that can’t be refurbished will be recycled in an environmentally sound way.

Since 2001, HopeLine® has collected more than 10.8 million wireless phones, awarded more than $21.4 million in cash grants to prevention and awareness programs nationwide; and donated more than 180,000 HopeLine® phones to victims, survivors and domestic violence organizations. Last year in Wisconsin alone, more than 11,000 phones were donated to the program and more than $70,000 in cash grants were awarded to help survivors of domestic violence across the state.

Fans unable to attend the November 9th game can still participate by donating their no-longer-used phones at any Verizon Wireless Communications Store at any time. To find store locations, visit www.verizonwireless.com.