Verizon Extends Relief Efforts to Aid Individuals Affected By Hurricane Rita

Verizon Extends Relief Efforts to Aid Individuals Affected By Hurricane Rita

The Verizon Foundation has expanded its 2-to-1 match of contributions made by Verizon employees to disaster relief in response to Hurricane Rita, the second major storm to batter the Gulf Coast this month. By tripling the generosity of Verizon employees, the company has already raised more than $9 million for victims of Hurricane Katrina, the first major storm. In all, Verizon has provided more than $11 million in aid to relief efforts, including providing 24 call centers and employee volunteers in support of the Sept. 9 “Shelter from the Storm” telethon. In addition, 100 Verizon technicians are now in New Orleans helping BellSouth restore parts of its network damaged by Hurricane Katrina.

“Hurricane Katrina and Rita packed a powerful one-two punch that destroyed communities in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Extending this impressive fund-raising campaign to include relief for Hurricane Rita will support rebuilding efforts and help make lives whole again,” said Patrick Gaston, president of the Verizon Foundation. Funds raised by Verizon and its employees will benefit the American Red Cross Hurricane Rita relief fund and the relief efforts by the Salvation Army, two nonprofit organizations providing aid to areas affected by both hurricanes.

Read the complete Press Release