Volunteerism is a major part of the culture of Verizon Maryland. Our employees have been leaders in supporting their neighbors and those less fortunate by giving their time, their resources and their talents to worthwhile and productive community activities. Our employees are ranked number one in Verizon for their commitment to their communities. Their charitable contributions of money and time received the highest level of matching funds.

In addition to our employees' commitment, Verizon retirees volunteer millions of hours of their time each year in numerous activities to help make progress for Maryland residents and customers.

Nonprofits in Maryland and the District of Columbia Received Nearly $2.9 Million in 2008 From the Verizon Foundation

More than 200 nonprofit groups in Maryland and Washington, D.C., received nearly $1.8 million from the Verizon Foundation in 2008.  The grants have enabled the recipient organizations to improve basic literacy skills, create new and diverse approaches to technology-based learning, including Internet safety programs, and help domestic violence survivors rebuild their lives. 

In addition, through Verizon Volunteers, one of the nation's largest employee-volunteer programs, Verizon employees and retires volunteered more than 56,000 hours and raised close to $1.1 million for nonprofit groups in 2008.

Read the press release.

Every two years, Catholic Charities brings this vibrant tradition to Baltimore¿s Inner Harbor. This year more than 30 teams (including Verizon's own Sports Division-winning team) competed on September 13 and successfully raised nearly $500,000 to support the many services provided by Catholic Charities in the state.

Why does Verizon support Dragon Boats? First, it's about service. Catholic Charities agencies benefit from the funds raised through the Dragon Boat Races.  They provide help to anyone who has a need. That makes it a perfect match with Verizon because we have a tradition of giving back to the communities where we live and work.

Next, it's about teamwork. These races foster great teamwork among our employees. They work together from mid-July honing their skills on the water.  In the end, it all paid off with a fantastic win!

Finally, it's about partnership. We value our partnership with Our Daily Bread soup kitchen for race day and as volunteers at ODB throughout the year. We are proud to assist with their mission of serving 600-700 meals 365 days a year.

Organizations receiving grants from Verizon included:

African American Civil War Memorial Freedom Foundation - $5,000 to support the 10th anniversary of the African American Civil War Memorial.
http://www.afroamcivilwar.org/

Annapolis Area Ministries - $10,000 for its Building Futures Program, which helps women and children who are victims of domestic violence.
http://annapolislighthouse.org/

Bright Beginnings - $7,500 for its Early Literacy Program to help ensure nearly 200 homeless children receive the high-quality services needed to prepare them for kindergarten.
http://www.brightbeginningsinc.org/

CASA (Citizens Assisting and Sheltering the Abused) - $10,000 for its Transitions program, which provides comprehensive services to those involved in domestic violence situations.
http://www.casainc.org/

Grupo de Artistas Latinoamericanos (GALA, Inc.) - $15,000 for its Language Access Program, which commissions Latino authors to translate scripts, study guides and other works into Spanish or English versions for use in classrooms and during live performances.

FIRN (Foreign-Born Information & Referral Network) - $5,100 for Club LEAP, an after-school enrichment program to help English Speakers of Other Languages students improve their English proficiency.
http://www.firnonline.org/

Literacy League of Dorchester County - $5,000 for its Home Libraries program, which enables children to receive age-appropriate books to read at home with their parents or caregivers.
http://www.tourdorchester.org/attraction.php?attraction=236

Living Classrooms - $3,500 for its Debris Cleanup event and Anacostia River celebration at Kingman Island.
http://www.livingclassrooms.org/

Sexual Assault / Spouse Abuse Resource Center - $20,000 to support its domestic violence prevention program.
http://www.sarc-maryland.org/

South Baltimore Learning Center - $5,000 to support its adult literacy program. http://www.southbaltimorelearns.org/

Union Hospital of Cecil County - $20,000 for its Electronic Medical Records project, which will enhance the safety of healthcare services by reducing errors and increase the timely delivery of vital patient information.
http://www.uhcc.com/

Urban Alliance - $19,000 to support its high school internship program that exposes students to the work world and helps them set goals for the future.
http://www.urbanalliancefoundation.org/

Washington Hospital Center Medical House Call Program - $10,000 to support the Washington Hospital Center Medical House Call Program, which enables doctors, nurse practitioners and social workers to provide quality medical care to disadvantaged elderly residents in their homes.
http://www.whcenter.org/body.cfm?id=556536

Woodworker for Children Charity - $5,000 for its Reading Is Toyrific(r) program, designed to improve the reading skills of low-income minority children and start a life-long enjoyment of reading.
http://www.woodentoy.org/

Youth Technology Institute (YouthTech) - $7,500 for Summer Explorers of Washington, D.C., a summer technology camp that creatively uses education to expose campers to cultures in Brazil, France, Scotland, South Africa and the United States.