Highlands, N.J., VFW to Benefit From Volunteer Project Hosted by Verizon, HGTV/DIY Network and 'Rebuilding Together'

HIGHLANDS, N.J., Nov. 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- For the Highlands Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6902, the impact of Superstorm Sandy still lingers more than a year later. The post's hall, located at 331 Bay Ave., sustained severe flood damage from the storm and continues to recover.

With Veteran's Day approaching, the VFW hall's renovation will get a boost on Friday (Nov. 8) through a special volunteer project organized by the Verizon Foundation, Scripps Networks Interactive and Rebuilding Together that will include a special appearance by interior designer Tiffany Brooks, winner of this season's "HGTV Star."

More than 30 volunteers from Verizon, Scripps Networks Interactive, Rebuilding Together and the local community will meet at the VFW hall from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to paint interior walls and railings, handicap ramps and front steps at the building's entrance; replace damaged ceiling tiles in the hall; and remove weeds and clear debris from around the property. 

Local officials -- including Highlands Mayor Frank Nolan, Monmouth County Freeholder Director Tom Arnone and U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone (6^th Congressional District of New Jersey) -- will meet with the volunteers during an 11 a.m. break to thank them for their efforts.

"Superstorm Sandy affected everyone in New Jersey in some way, and this project gives our employees an opportunity to get involved with the community and to get the Highlands VFW back into shape," said Jayne Mayer, Verizon Foundation employee engagement director.  "This partnership with Scripps Networks Interactive and Rebuilding Together also allows us to give back to the veterans who have proudly served our country."

Scripps Networks Interactive, whose media brands include HGTV and DIY Network, is a leading developer of lifestyle-oriented content for television, the Internet and emerging platforms. Rebuilding Together is a non-profit organization dedicated to rebuilding homes and communities nationwide. As of October, hard-working Rebuilding Together affiliates in New Jersey and New York have completed more than 250 projects, assisting more than 435 individuals, thanks to the help of more than 3,100 volunteers.

Annette L. Brun, vice president, cause marketing and social responsibility for Scripps Networks Interactive, said, "Even one year after Superstorm Sandy, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done. It's a blessing to communities like Highlands to have organizations like Rebuilding Together and Verizon volunteer their time and resources to help bring residents of this beautiful seaside community some much needed relief.  HGTV and DIY Network are proud to be part of this effort."

Verizon employees, Verizon Wireless customers and the Verizon Foundation have donated more than $6 million to Sandy relief and rebuilding efforts. In addition, more than 7,000 Verizon employees have donated to the American Red Cross and Salvation Army through the Verizon Foundation's matching gifts program.

The Verizon Foundation is focused on accelerating social change by using the company's innovative technology to help solve pressing problems in education, healthcare and energy management. Since 2000, the Verizon Foundation has invested more than half a billion dollars to improve the communities where Verizon employees work and live. Verizon's employees are generous with their donations and their time, having logged more than 6.8 million hours of service to make a positive difference in their communities. For more information about Verizon's philanthropic work, visit www.verizonfoundation.org; or for regular updates, visit the Foundation on Facebook (www.facebook.com/verizonfoundation) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/verizongiving).

About Verizon
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to consumer, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, with more than 101 million retail connections nationwide. Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers integrated business solutions to customers in more than 150 countries. A Dow 30 company with nearly $116 billion in 2012 revenues, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of 178,300.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

About Rebuilding Together 
Rebuilding Together is a Safe and Healthy Housing organization that believes community starts at home. Our focus provides critical repairs, accessibility modifications and energy efficient upgrades to low-income homes and community centers at no cost to service recipients. Our impact extends beyond the individuals served to revitalize and stabilize vulnerable neighborhoods and communities across the country. Our 187 local affiliates completed 10,400 rebuild projects in 2012 thanks to the efforts of 100,000 volunteers from corporate partners, skilled trades professionals and everyday good citizens. Join us – visit www.RebuildingTogether.org.

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SOURCE Verizon