To Aid Earthquake Victims in Haiti, the Verizon Foundation Announces $100,000 in Grants, and an Employee-Donation Matching Program

NEW YORK, Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- The Verizon Foundation has awarded a total of $100,000 in grants to World Vision and Food for the Poor to assist the victims of the devastating 7.0 earthquake in Haiti.

In addition, the Verizon Foundation will match 1-to-1 every dollar donated by Verizon employees to the two nonprofit organizations, up to $1,000 per employee, through the Verizon disaster relief incentive program.

"The magnitude of the devastation in Haiti is almost unfathomable," said Verizon Foundation President Patrick Gaston. "Verizon employees are always eager to assist those affected by tragedy, and through the disaster relief incentive program, the impact of their generosity will be doubled. Our hearts go out to all affected by the earthquake, and we will continue to explore ways to assist relief efforts."

Verizon Wireless customers can aid the American Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti by texting "HAITI" to 90999 to donate $10. There are no text-messaging fees, and 100 percent of each $10 donation goes to the American Red Cross.

The Verizon Foundation's $100,000 award consists of grants of $50,000 each to World Vision and Food for the Poor.

World Vision is dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.

Food for the Poor raises funds and provides direct relief assistance to the poor throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, usually by purchasing specifically requested materials and distributing them through organizations already operating in areas of need.

The Verizon Foundation, supports the advancement of literacy and K-12 education through its free educational Web site, Thinkfinity.org, and fosters awareness and prevention of domestic violence.  In 2009, the Verizon Foundation awarded more than $67.5 million in grants to nonprofit agencies in the U.S. and abroad.  It also matched the charitable donations of Verizon employees and retirees, resulting in an additional $24.4 million in combined contributions to nonprofits.  Through Verizon Volunteers, one of the nation's largest employee volunteer programs, Verizon employees and retirees have volunteered more than 5 million hours of community service since 2000. For more information on the foundation, visit www.verizonfoundation.org.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving more than 89 million customers nationwide.  Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers innovative, seamless business solutions to customers around the world.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 230,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of more than $97 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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SOURCE Verizon