Sept. 28, 2005

LARAMIE, Wyo. -

Verizon Wireless and the University of Wyoming Cowboys are teaming up to help curb domestic violence. Fans attending the Cowboys games on Oct. 1 and Oct. 8 are invited to donate used wireless phones and accessories to benefit victims of domestic violence through the Verizon Wireless HopeLine® program.

HopeLine drop boxes will be on the Verizon Wireless vehicle located at Pepsi's Cowboy Tailgate prior to kickoff.

Through the Verizon Wireless HopeLine program, used wireless phones, batteries and accessories from any service provider are recycled, or refurbished and sold. Verizon Wireless uses the proceeds to award grants and to donate wireless phones with prepaid airtime to non-profit human services and law enforcement agencies to aid survivors of domestic violence.

The Albany County Safe Project in Laramie recently received a HopeLine grant.

"Verizon Wireless is pleased to partner with the Cowboys to have HopeLine made a part of game day activities at the two October games," said Jeff Mango, regional president for Verizon Wireless. "We encourage Cowboys fans to scour their closets and donate their old wireless phones to help us provide a HopeLine to victims of domestic violence, an epidemic that affects one in three American women during their lifetime."

Wireless phones and equipment can be donated to the HopeLine program year-round at any Verizon Wireless Communications Store across the country.

For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.