BASKING RIDGE, N.J., May 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless has quickly implemented mobile giving programs for customers looking for a simple way to contribute to relief efforts following the recent tornadoes in Alabama and across the southern United States. The company said today that customers can use their mobile phones to make $10 donations to a variety of non-profit organizations - American Red Cross Relief, Convoy of Hope®, Mississippi Disaster Recovery Fund, Salvation Army, Samaritan's Feet, Save the Children, Tushka Disaster Relief Fund, United Way of Russell and Washington Counties and United Way of Central Alabama - responding to the tornadoes and the needs of local citizens in their aftermath.
"Although the storms have passed, people in Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi and elsewhere have just begun the long road of recovery and rebuilding," said John Stratton, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Verizon Wireless. "We're making it easy to donate to relief efforts quickly and securely."
Customers currently can choose from among 10 different non-profit organizations, including the American Red Cross and several local chapters of the United Way, and make $10 donations by sending a text message. Donating is easy - customers simply text the specific word to the organization's designated short code:
- American Red Cross Relief: Text "REDCROSS" to 90999
- Convoy of Hope: Text "CONVOY" to 50555
- Mississippi Disaster Recovery Fund: Text "MS" to 27722
- Salvation Army: Text "GIVE" to 80888
- Samaritan's Feet: Text "SHOES" to 85944
- Save the Children: Text "4TORNADO" or "TWISTER" to 20222
- Tushka Disaster Relief Fund: Text "OKGIVE" to 27722
- United Way of Russell and Washington Counties: Text "SUPPORT" to 27722
- United Way of Central Alabama: Text "TORNADO" to 50555
- World Vision: Text "TORNADO" to 20222
Verizon Wireless always waives text-messaging fees for disaster relief, so text messages are free when used to make donations to any of these organizations, and 100 percent of each $10 donation goes to the relief organization. For Verizon Wireless customers who pay monthly bills, the $10 donations will appear on the next regular monthly bill. For customers using the company's prepaid services, the $10 donation will be taken from customers' prepaid balance.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's fastest, most advanced 4G network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 104 million total wireless connections, including more than 88 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 85,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
SOURCE Verizon Wireless
