Verizon Foundation announces $1 million grant to American Red Cross to assist in Hurricane Florence relief and Gives Free Calls To Those Affected

The Verizon Foundation today announced support for communities impacted by Hurricane Florence through a $1 million grant to the American Red Cross to assist in relief efforts. Additionally, between September 12, 2018 and September 28, 2018, the Verizon Foundation will match all U.S.-based Verizon employees donations of $25 or more made via the Verizon Foundation matching gift webpage, up to $1,000 per employee, to the American Red Cross. Donations are tax deductible.

“Verizon stands ready to support first responders, our customers and employees in the path of Hurricane Florence,” said Hans Vestberg, CEO of Verizon. “We will provide free calls, texts and data to those impacted by the storm and will continue to work closely with partners like the American Red Cross to provide resources to help our neighbors and communities recover as quickly as possible.”

“Time and time again, the American Red Cross answers the call to do whatever it takes to provide relief,” said Steve Spinner, Interim Chief Development Officer, American Red Cross. “In hurricanes and other natural disasters, we are there to provide comfort and help lead recovery efforts, and partnerships like the one with the Verizon Foundation make it possible to help a widening circle of people across communities, making a huge difference in peoples’ lives.” 

Verizon Wireless customers can also join the relief and recovery effort by contributing support to help those affected by Hurricane Florence. Verizon Wireless customers can use their mobile phone to make tax deductible donations in increments of $10, up $100 per customer, to the American Red Cross or GlobalGiving, which are responding to the needs of individuals and communities affected by the storm. Customers can make a $10 donation by simply texting FLORENCE to the organizations’ designated short code: 

  • American Red Cross – 90999
  • GlobalGiving – 80100

Verizon Wireless will waive standard messaging fees for texting FLORENCE to the American Red Cross or GlobalGiving short code and 100 percent of each donation will go to American Red Cross or GlobalGiving. Verizon Wireless customers who pay monthly bills will see their donations on the next regular monthly bill. For prepaid customers, donations will be taken from customers’ prepaid balances.

Additionally, Verizon’s employee program, VtoV, is offering emergency financial assistance to employees who have been affected by this tragedy though its employee assistance program. Verizon has over 2,300 employees in the path of Hurricane Florence.

Speed caps restrictions have also been lifted for first responders in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia

Verizon also stated:

For our customers on the Southeast Coast that will feel the wrath of Hurricane Florence, Verizon Wireless is saying “We’ve Got Your Back.”  From September 14 through September 17, Verizon is providing free calling, texting and data to its postpaid and prepaid customers who reside in the areas of Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia that are in the direct path of the storm.

“As we enter the final hours before Hurricane Florence makes landfall we hope this allows our customers in these areas to worry about one less thing and focus on their safety and security,” said Russ Preite, president, Southeast Market for Verizon Wireless. “This is just one way we can help residents as this potentially dangerous storm challenges the Southeast coast.”

 Additionally, as part of Verizon’s ongoing commitment to those on the front lines of public safety, speed caps restrictions have been lifted for first responders in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

Verizon values the safety and security of all residents in the impacted communities, including the company’s employees. Before visiting, please contact your local store as store hours may vary depending on local impact.

Verizon customers can text FLORENCE to: American Red Cross – 90999 and GlobalGiving – 80100 if they want to donate $10 to support relief efforts.

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