Verizon Makes Spring Gifts for Children

An estimated three million children witness domestic violence each year, and 30 to 60 percent of those children experience abuse or neglect, according to Safe Horizon[1], the nation’s largest victim advocacy group. In Franklin, employees at the Verizon Wireless Call Center decided to make a difference in the lives of abused and neglected children in their community with a special gift. Verizon employees assembled 30 colorful spring-themed gift baskets that included fun snacks, books, journals, crayons, bubbles and more, all designed to bring a smile to each child’s face.

“We wanted to do something meaningful for the children at Bridges that shows that we care about them,” said Lori Spears, director of customer service at the Verizon Call Center, who helped organize the donation. “Witnessing our employees coming together and rallying around this cause was remarkable. We have worked with Bridges before and are always honored to be able to give back.”

Bridges provides crisis intervention, shelter, onsite medical assistance, counseling and case management to adult and child victims of domestic violence and abuse.

“Children who grow up in violent and abusive atmospheres often suffer from physical, emotional and psychological trauma that can have profound long-term effects,” said Leigh Bawcom, Development Director at Bridges. “These special gift baskets mean so much to the children in our program. Acts of kindness from the community show our clients that there are people who care and can help, which helps build their trust in others and confidence in themselves.”

Bawcom said the baskets will provide much-needed supplies and gifts to the children—brightening many young faces with smiles.

Domestic violence prevention is an important issue for Verizon. In addition to volunteer initiatives with domestic violence agencies, the company founded the HopeLine program in 2001 to convert no-longer used cell phones into support for victims of domestic violence. Devices that can be refurbished become lifelines for women escaping violent relationships. The company also recycles wireless devices, chargers and batteries that cannot be refurbished in an environmentally friendly way and uses the proceeds to fund domestic violence prevention efforts. The community can donate wireless devices to HopeLine by dropping them off at any Verizon Wireless location or by downloading a postage-paid label at VerizonWireless.com/HopeLine.

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